Blythe Baird Poems: Exploring the depths of emotion through powerful verse

Blythe Baird is an extraordinarily talented poet and spoken word artist known for her raw and fearless exploration of various themes, including love, sexuality, mental health, and feminism. Her poems captivate audiences with their honesty and vulnerability, leaving a lasting impact on listeners and readers alike. In this article, we will delve into the world of Blythe Baird's poems, examining her unique style, recurring themes, and the emotional resonance her work carries.

Unveiling the Power Behind Blythe Baird's Verses

Blythe Baird's poetry is a masterful combination of both written and spoken word, with each piece crafted to evoke deep emotions and provoke thought-provoking reflections. Her distinctive style blends beautiful imagery with evocative language, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

One of Blythe Baird's poem, "When the Fat Girl Gets Skinny," is a poignant exploration of body image and eating disorders. Using crisp and vivid metaphors, she captures the struggle of finding self-acceptance in a society obsessed with unrealistic beauty standards. This poem serves as a testament to her ability to tackle sensitive topics with honesty and grace, providing solace and understanding to those who resonate with her words.

Another standout piece in her repertoire, "Pocket-Sized Feminism," takes a deep dive into the nuances of feminism and the internal struggle faced by many women when trying to fit into society's expectations. With her distinct blend of passion and vulnerability, Baird presents an empowering message of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Themes Explored in Blythe Baird's Poetry

Mental Health: Mental health is a recurring theme in Blythe Baird's poetry. Through her personal experiences, she explores the intricacies of anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. Her poems offer comfort and understanding to those battling similar feelings, reminding them that they are not alone.

Love and Relationships: Baird's poems often delve into the complexities of love and relationships, capturing both the joy and heartache that come with them. Her honest and intimate portrayals of longing, breakups, and self-discovery resonate deeply with audiences, leaving them with a profound sense of connection.

Feminism and Gender: Baird's poetry is strongly influenced by her feminist beliefs, addressing issues of gender inequality, societal expectations, and intersectional feminism. Through the lens of her own experiences, she sheds light on the struggles faced by women and the importance of embracing one's identity.

Selected Blythe Baird Poems

"If My Body Could Speak"

If my body could speak,
it would say to you:
Do you love me? I am only
sixteen, chest barely full,
pulse barely slowed, veins still
bleeding youth. Do you love me?

If my body could speak,
it would say to you:
Don't mistake my wanting
for consent, for submission,
for an invitation for anything
other than the way I stare
at myself in the mirror and
can't bear the thought of
staying in my skin. Can't bear
the thought of growing up.

If my body could speak,
it would say to you:
Don't ask me what's wrong,
ask me what happened.
Don't tell me I'm skinny,
don't tell me I'm lucky,
don't tell me I'm a woman,
don't tell me about god.

If my body could speak,
it would say to you:
You, with your unquenchable
thirst for answers. You,
with your bleeding mouth,
this is not a war of attrition.
I do not want to be loved
only for the resolve I tread
in bone, sinew, and blood.

If my body could speak
it would ask of you:
How many times can I
rewind before I'm made to sing?
#MeToo. #MeToo. #MeToo.

"The Ship I Built When I Was New"

It is spring.
The sky is holding her breath
waiting for something
other than light to be expelled.

I inhabit a
body that has learned
to treat itself with the
same kind of caution
you would treat a
kaleidoscope,
fragile piece of machinery.

Sometimes sunshine clings
to my throat, gets caught
in all this uncertainty
and burrows.

Behind my eyes
is a cityscape
of Better Homes and
Gardens magazine covers,
each house a reminder
that home is what you
make but can't carry.

When I say I want
to be better it is
an apology and
an admission all
in one.

I am still new enough
at being me that
I crack open my
mouth to speak but
only the words that
are right come out.

If there is a secret
to it all I can't
tell you.
But I knew
when I found it,
because everything
began to sound like
a lullaby. Or a beginning.

And someday I will say,
"Don't you remember me,
the girl who swallowed
life like air?"

And I will smile like
honesty and everything
will seem like it is.

It will be.
And I'm learning
to read the maps in
creases formed by
the passage of time.

Blythe Baird's poems leave an indelible mark on anyone who encounters them. Through her artistry, she invites us to explore the depths of our own emotions, encouraging open conversation and self-reflection. Her words act as a healing balm and a call to action, inspiring us to embrace our authenticity and empathize with the struggles of others. Blythe Baird's poems are an invaluable contribution to the world of contemporary poetry, proving that words have the power to heal, provoke, and ultimately bring about positive change.