We Need To Talk About Megan Fox's Poetry

[@RachelOates]

FREE TOYS OR GIFT CARDS FOR TOYS! Everyone who signs up to my giveaway with Bellesa wins something! www.bboutique.co/vibe/racheloates-yt

[@keiththorpe9571]

My fiancé has a few toys from those folks...We Love Them, they are sooooooo much fun. 😃

[@dariasmeh]

Hey Rachel, I'm messaging to provide a suggestion for the beginning of your video. At 6:20 you say that you are skeptical that "the people who want to cleanse or heal your chakras are scamming you for money". As someone who has worked in social science and scientific research and also follows the therapeutic model, I'd just suggest you consider staying away from the reference to "the people". This denotes that all people doing this are scammers, when there are a lot of people who don't charge and do it free of charge and doing it with love and kindness and are genuinely not scamming; while some others (an amount I personally haven't been able to find stats on) do take advantage and scam. Again whether chakras is proven by research or not is worthy of skepticism, as it is also fair to say wellness is an industry where some can scam vulnerable people. But it is not scientifically accurate to refer to all of these people who believe and practice this as scammers. It's best to say in cases like these "there are some in these belief system or practice systems that exploit and scam". I hope you don't take this as a hate comment. I am attempting to be clear and straightfoward and rational. But I wanted to disclaim this is not a hate comment so you don't feel that way in reading it as people can say all kinds of condescending shit on the internet

[@HangryOnPaws]

A little note to all you aspiring poets. Use repetition sparingly. Saying the same line over and over and over for emphasis can often do the opposite, especially if it's supposed to be a meaningful or important sentence.

[@Fae_Felidae]

I think perhaps instead of "sparingly", I would say to use repetition with intention; strategically. While well-placed, thoughtfully-worded repetition can indeed be impactful, its artless, impulsive inclusion can just as easily dull the reader's senses to the intended impact.

[@CMBuchovecky]

My own take on repetition (which I use in many of my poems) is that it should only be used if you are able to repeat the words without repeating the meaning. Eg: Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. To me, the first instance of “And miles to go before I sleep” is clearly a statement about the speaker’s literal and immediate situation, while the repetition ventures into the realm of the reflective, metaphorical and existential.

[@Inksplatter1991]

I'll use repetition as far as "I" repeatedly if it's a poem that has a theme of selfishness, narcissism, self- awareness, etc. 😁

[@sleepysadpoet]

Ive actually been told by professors that repetition can be a great tool, it definitely depends on tone though.

[@EllinIsLivid]

@@Inksplatter1991My Last Duchess energy

[@anjisarv]

Oh boy even the first page is painful to witness. As an Indian, I don’t mind that a lot of our ancient beliefs have become more popular, but I really can’t stand people (usually rich privileged people) making it a trendy thing to “cleanse your chakras”. I agree with your take. It also pains me when people mishandle topics of mental health/ abuse. On one hand I want every victim to be able to express themselves! But on the other hand, it feels very… poorly handled? I don’t know. I’m glad to see your nuanced take too!

[@nilsjohnson2636]

Yeah, I’m a would-be occultist myself but I’m not going throw around chakras or the like until I get a real grasp on Kundalini Yoga. The “Wellness” industry and fluffbunny scammers give us a bad name.

[@anjisarv]

@@NEbluefire I think my problem is the way it is commercialised. I don’t know enough details about the west’s knowledge of these things, so I can’t really speak on that! I’m sure there are some really genuine people out there! But I do know that a lot of people are sold half-baked ideas of spirituality, just throwing around some fancy words to then go and boast on social media about this new cool thing. Like with this book. The first lines of a book about abuse/assault/self harm is something about throat chakra being blocked? And then it’s never mentioned again? It just comes across as inauthentic and pretentious. Like she’s using them as buzzwords, or an accessory to her punchline, not really going into the nuances of what that actually means. She just used it as some cheap way of explaining how she is a “sacrificial lamb” (???) and that’s it. Again, I could be wrong about her, I don’t know her personally! But this just gives me a weird feeling of “You just heard one thing about chakras and ran with it didn’t you?”

[@MELLMAO]

Most of us who grew up in western cultures and had no contact with hinduism and buddhism are really easy to fool bcs we know nothing about it and the culture that comes with it. Scammers can make up anything and most of us have no way of checking from verifiable sources if it's true or bs

[@lala78326]

@@NEbluefire I understand where you're coming from, but this has nothing to do with the problem that OP is describing. It doesn't take a thorough analysis to understand "why" she included it in the introduction because she quite literally states her reasoning for including it, there's 0 subtext. The problem is that Megan Fox threw the concept of chakras in there, went "let me explain to you what it is in case you have no idea", and then didn't mention anything about its actual origins nor reference a single expert in the field. There is no celebration of the culture from which this concept has been appropriated and entirely removed from. Even if she herself isn't profiting off of it in mentioning it, it still contributes to the west's overall commercialisation and white washing of the concept by removing it from its Indian origins. She could've conveyed the theme of being silenced in a multitude of other ways, or if she really insisted on including it, used it as an opportunity to platform actual experts and people from whom this concept has been appropriated from.

[@x_void_princess_x]

Also her dating a pedophile kinda takes away from the seriousness

[@Sixx-Stitch]

"damn this is so bread baugette" might become one of my frequent expressions of disappointment now hsshhs-

[@bettyunicorn6132]

“Mammal Dog” sent into a laugh fit.

[@youareherediversity7321]

I like the way you over explain yourself. Yes, it is an autistic thing, I think, but it is your way- and mine.

[@hhgreene]

Your poem reminds me of my favorite - The Spider and the Fly… "Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly, "'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I have many curious things to shew when you are there." "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again." "I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high; Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly. "There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin, And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!" "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said, They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!" Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, "Dear friend what can I do, To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you? I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice; I'm sure you're very welcome-will you please to take a slice?" "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind sir, that cannot be, I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!" "Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise, How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf, If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself." "I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you're pleased to say, And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day." The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den, For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again: So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly, And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly. Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing, "Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing; Your robes are green and purple-there's a crest upon your head; Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!" Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly, Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by; With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew, Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue- Thinking only of her crested head-poor foolish thing! At last, Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast. He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den, Within his little parlour-but she ne'er came out again! And now dear little children, who may this story read, To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed: Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly. (Mary Howitt, 1829)

[@maledictionwolf]

I feel like the fancy words is something of a rebellion against her public perception, as she's seen as something of a "dumb blonde" minus the blonde and this is a desperate attempt to be seen as something wise.

[@katiegriffin7597]

Yeah, seems like she’d rather feel and be perceived as deep than actually explore her own depths. Like Rachel said, show us you’re a real human and stop trying to show us that you’re smart… or trying to show us lol.

[@ihatemickiegee]

i agreed. i bought this book because i knew about her history of DV and saw the art and am a fan of her, and i thought it could be decent. unfortunately i felt the same way. she wanted to be perceived i feel, as intelligent and above the men who hurt her, rather than truly just embracing herself, and in that embrace, showing she does stand above them and her critics. simply by expressing herself in her own artistic way. not just using a thesaurus to try to prove this. it’s unfortunate, because she could have been a fantastic voice in celeb advocacy (not that art MEANS you have to be a representative of a community but i just mean for the people who read her work anyway.) but she sort of just downgraded _herself._ :(

[@tessapal]

As I always tell my writers: trying to sound smart almost always has the opposite effect

[@sashakononova8968]

Hey Rachel! As someone who also over explains (not sure if I'm autistic, but I do have a bit of a family history of it), I feel like that's not something that you need to "fix" (unless you want to change it for you). The people who are on your channel listening to you are here because we like the things you say and the way you say them. The way you tend to be thorough and nuanced is one of the things people like about you, and I genuinely enjoy the bits of your content that you yourself consider rambling, and ive seen so many comments from other people saying they love it too. If you want to change for you, of course I support you, but we love you the way you are

[@AW-uv3cb]

Yup, I always over explain the heck out of things (not that I'm aware of any autism in myself, I just don't have the gift of succinctness - there always seems to be one more detail or nuance you want to include!). I try to edit it in writing so that I don't repeat information, but - there's nothing wrong with a bit of a rant or ramble and Rachel always speaks with so much well-informed passion!

[@aenea7407]

Exactly, I come her for the chaos and beauty of it - you never know where Rachel’s tangents take you, and I just love it.

[@Sophie-bf6zd]

The intro does sound extremely self absorbed. Like all the “I’m an empath” influencers that actually have an awful history of offensive behaviour. It doesn’t feel genuine at all.

[@WynnWynn-gl3fk]

The ones who claim to be empaths are usually narcissists and actually lack empathy

[@mikalcarruthers]

Happy birthday Rachel! 🎉 I wanna say thank you for being you. I know I'm just a viewer but I read the community post yesterday about the explanation of your new tattoos and i am so sorry you've had to deal with that. I love the tattoos btw. I'm just glad I'm subscribed to you. You deserve happiness and you didn't deserve the crap you had gone through. I hope year 31 will treat you well. I'm sorry if I'm killing the positive vibes but I just wish you the best

[@RachelOates]

Thank you so so so much! That really means a lot!!

[@thegreatcatcuss]

I loved your poem and I didn’t even see the time pass, it felt like reading a book and your storytelling made it even better. It wasn’t as long as a whole story yet it gave me the same amount of emotions. Congratulations for writing it, you should be proud of your work!

[@RachelOates]

Thank you so much!!

[@thegreatcatcuss]

@@RachelOates you’re welcome!!

[@jenniferb2086]

A note on the “why I wish I was gay” one. She’s actually openly bisexual so it’s not necessarily as offensive as it first may seem but she definitely should have elaborated more. Perhaps she means she wishes she wasn’t attracted to men at all which would be an interesting poem and relatable to some queer people, it’s a shame that this isn’t actually explored in the poem.

[@SpecialBlanket]

I used to "wish I were a lesbian" until I realized that I could just... be a lesbian. I wasn't bi. I was a chickenshit lesbian the whole time.

[@Moonlightmatchmaking]

I doubt she’s actually bisexual. She probably just thinks women are pretty

[@keiththorpe9571]

Yeah, it's a book, alright...It has pages...and words...and covers front and back... Beyond that...Yeah, it's garbage, and I'm glad that you were able to come right out and say it, as opposed to other reviews I've read where otherwise serious literary KZbinrs twist themselves into knots trying to say something about it without blasting it to pieces. It deserves to be binned, it is rubbish.

[@tianathegoose1691]

I love love love that you explain why the poem is bad in terms of actual poetic techniques instead of just “it’s cringe”, I’m not a poetry buff but I always feel so smart listening to your breakdowns :)

[@parentingadabsurdum]

Love your poem, I was gripped by the peripheral storyline even though I understood it wasn’t literal. A little dark circus imagery sucks me right in.

[@zombieunicorn6316]

Your poem was absolutely breathtaking! I have also been in an abusive relationship and the imagery you painted was a perfect reflection. Thank you so much for sharing that with us ❤

[@WynnWynn-gl3fk]

Join 4B as that will be the only way for progress.

[@zll9]

I wish these people would choose to write personal essays instead of poetry. Because I understand the idea of famous women wanting to put out their own words, when their narrative is so often controlled from the outside. I think that is in its essence a good thing, it just sucks when it results in poetry that is lacking. Not saying that the essay inherently requires less skill or is less serious than poetry, but I do think it is more accessible for people who don't have as much writing experience and can still be interesting to read. Poetry is just very particular as a genre and the issue with books like this one (based on the examples you provided) is that the people who write them don't seem to know much about it or how to write it with care. (I typed this out before reaching the end of the video and just heard you suggesting the same thing haha). As a side note, it always makes me a bit sad when you say you feel like a bitch for your reviews. I understand it of course, it's not fun to have to say something negative, but watching your critiques has improved my own craft as a poet so immensely, especially after being exposed to online communities that are notoriously uncritical and derivative. I don't feel like you are ever coming from a meanspirited place, just that frustration sometimes creeps through because of your love and respect for the genre. I hope you keep making these videos because they always make me think things like "How would I write this?" or "Have I made that mistake before?" which is so hugely beneficial.

[@saintdude6032]

Some people are saying she uses poetry as a way to handle abuse, and I would respect that if she didn’t try to sell it. Cause not everything needs to be share and if you’re trying to sell it people are gonna make fun of it if it’s bad.

[@meganc6306]

Rachel! Your poem was such a breath of fresh air amidst the scraps from this poetry book😂. I m so glad you chose to recite it, it's such a powerful story and the atmosphere was so inthralling and immersive. Your poetry videos really ignite my interest in the poetry genre, an interest that i had completely forgotten about since highschool. As a writer, i find it magical how poetry, when done well, can play with words to expose so many layers of meaning at once! Thank you for all your hard work, and take care!

[@RachelOates]

Thank you so much!!

[@CMBuchovecky]

So pleased to have another poetry analysis video from you! I know critiquing poorly written works by famous people is what draws the views, but I appreciate nothing more than the parts where you read and analyze poems that you actually love.

[@Sarah-re7cg]

46:40 the part about Romeo and the moon is hilarious because he’s literally just saying “fuck me” to Juliet 😂😂

[@denizkaragullu6239]

the rambling at 29:00 is so relatable. I am not autistic, but I would say I have a unique way of communicating and it is often seen as weird or annoying. I always have a hard time deciding if it is my responsibility how people perceive me. Or if I should stay the way I am because that is what makes me unique.

[@Elora445]

This reply is also relatable, from another autistic person. Nowadays I'm old enough that I am more comfortable with who I am, but the road up to this point hasn't exactly been easy. I have also begun to care less and less about what other people think. Being comfortable with yourself is the most important point, I would think.

[@badoem5399]

From a nt person, I love this in other people. It makes me trust them because they will literally tell you everything. It comes across as so genuine as well. Sometimes I tune out a little bit because of the information overload but it does not make me love them any less

[@geraintthomas4343]

Ok so the problem in the first page is one that her "healers" have correctly identified is that she's bad at communicating (this is just hot reading people foundation modules. Any medium or psychic does the same thing). So she wrote a poetry book to communicate, and apparently didn't take time to get better at communicating first...

[@saintdude6032]

It gives me the vibe of dudes working out to get women instead of working on their personality

[@acidicgxgaming7910]

MY GOD, your poem im in love. im very big on imagery and i loved how you never left a line unchecked on discriptors and impactful actions, not only that but the your performance enchances all of those feelings

[@nikitatavernitilitvynova]

The best way I've had poetry described as was by my italian literature teacher in highschool. For context I'm italian. She has a relative that writes poetry. I guess it runs in the family. Anyways she said that she'll stay up late thinking of that one word that's going to fit perfectly. That one word you can't think about at the moment. Basically you'll jolt from your sleep type of scene with the perfect word to fit the poem. Not scroll through an online thesaurus. I wanted to get into writing poetry in a book called *being me" where I describe the way I see myself, live my life and the way my brain works. "being me" as in how it is to be me in my body with my brain. Needless to say I've only made a nice looking simple book cover on illustrator and left it there in my drafts empty. Poetry is scary.

[@ariannahernandez4745]

The Hurricane Hits England poem hit me so hard and unexpectedly. I live on the coast in the Gulf of Mexico so they're pretty common. But it's also a part of the culture. Huracan was mentioned in the poem and they are a god of hurricanes and destruction. They're terrifying but when my husband was looking for jobs anywhere in the US, I told him if it's going to be outside of Texas, I'd prefer it to be somewhere where there are hurricanes. I was joking but not really. I want something to remind me of my home and my culture.

[@abbigailroseb]

i’ve never actually heard your poetry, let alone performing. i wasn’t really in the mood for good poetry and almost passed by your poem for now, and oh boy i’m glad i didn’t. i was completely pulled in to every word. i have goosebumps!!

[@PixxiStitch]

What a beautiful poem 😭 the puppetmaster. I think I have to buy your book now

[@JelloSalad9556]

I LOVE your poem you performed! I bought your poetry book recently (and another copy for a friend) and it was fantastic!

[@luisinascarafiocca9313]

Happy birthday Rachel! I'm sorry we made you read this, I'm one minute into the video and already laughing. Hope you are enjoying your day!

[@ironjaden8335]

Wow, your poem brought a tear to my eye because it just so encapsulates how insidiously an abuser sucks you in, and hooks you back with sweet relieving breadcrumbs after striking you down. I sent it to my friend who has just made the decision to cut her strings and is hurting badly, but doesn’t want to keep living a life where the next pain is a given day after day. This feels like such spooky timing! Your words will help a lot of people going through (or out the other side) of controlling abuse. Thank you Rachel, I love your content💜💜

[@AlexKoeppel-r4z]

As a poet, I work my fingers to the bone, figuratively speaking, to get the rhyme and meter perfect. I know poems don't always have to have that, but if it doesn't, it should have something just as good. It's terribly hard work. Even a short poem usually takes hours of intense concentration, sometimes days. So I feel a bit put out by poets who slap just any kind of ink on a page and somehow get it published.

[@Sarah-re7cg]

Putting all these poems as immature and angsty nails it…it feels very Jennifer’s body if Jennifer’s body was written by a 14 year old

[@rachelobert3651]

Your poem gave me chills! So good, im so happy for you 💖💖💖 never stop writing please please please 🌟

[@NecromancerSquid]

I love watching your poetry videos because poems are a bit of a Knowledge Weakpoint for me, so its nice to hear someone who clearly has a huge appreciation for the artform offer critique and give advice. It's been doing wonders for my understanding of how poems work. But I have to say, hearing you perform your poem in this video? I think it's the first time I've really gotten it. Hearing the inflection of your voice, the rhythm, sinking myself into the imagery, it was fantastic! I haven't felt so moved by a piece of writing in a long time. You say you're not nearly as good as some of the more well-known poets out there, but I think that poem is going to stick with me for a long long time, and I'm so happy you shared with us :,)

[@rebeccathenerd]

While I find it quite mean that you laugh during her introduction where she discusses her beliefs (beliefs which I also do not agree with) your videos do inspire me to improve. I self published my first poetry book in January of 2023 and I do fall victim to the method of “this is poetry because it has line breaks.” It’s made me reevaluate my work. While I do think there are some pieces in my book that you’d enjoy, I can most certainly improve and your intellectual breakdowns have opened my eyes to that.

[@mostprofoundquiet]

Don't feel the need to change the way you are for others - if it's not harming anyone (and overexplaining or using a certain voice certainly isn't) then it's not something that needs to change unless YOU want to change it, for your own reasons. Also, your poem was beautiful and I love your earrings.

[@iFlutterbye]

Rachel, your poem is great. You should make a short of just the poem reading part if you haven’t already!

[@sophiec.4666]

Totally agree!!

[@kelly-annmaddox]

The Grace Nichols poem coming in like an oasis in the middle of a linguistic desert. 🤭😅 LOVE that one. Incredible. Love the way you read it too.

[@yikes268]

Had to pause for a break to process after listening to your "Puppet Master" poem because it's so powerful! I want to say thank you for performing that for us, not only because it's obviously a very personal subject for you, but also because it's a great learning tool for us! As an amateur poet myself, I feel like my weakest points are performance and also rhyme/meter (I prefer to write in free verse, but I would still like to have the skill of crafting rhymes). So this was very helpful for me, thank you! And also perfectly illustrates the point you were trying to make in comparison with Fox's poem. Another wonderful video, thank you so much for all your work, Rachel! I love your videos and I always learn so much from them.

[@hackedbyawriter]

this was a great video over all but I'm genuinely curious if you've listened to taylor beyond karma or her more popular songs. bc while i don't think shes like hozier level amazing she has some genuinely beautiful moments of song-writing and she;s always been pretty good at conveying a story. and it rubs me the wrong way when people tend to pick and choose lyrics some of her more "poppy" songs to discredit her writing. so in case you haven't i do recommend: - my tears ricochet - tolerate it - illicit affairs - the lakes - hoax - no body no crime - cowboy like me - Marjorie - ivy - evermore - the great war - bigger than the whole sky - would've could've should've - maroon - dear reader they're some of my personal favs and there are some that touch on themes i think you would enjoy. id be genuinely intrigued to see you do a similar analysis for her writing even if its technically not poetry in the traditional sense.

[@vitoriaamadio8322]

I was searching for a comment like this lol I love Rachel but the Taylor comment left a sour taste in my mouth

[@hackedbyawriter]

@@vitoriaamadio8322 no agreed here i thought we were past discrediting her songwriting by cherry-picking lyrics from her more obviously silly songs

[@ToMaKaVi]

Was about to comment the same! Taylor has many great lyrics, wouldn’t really compare her with Megan Fox’s poetry

[@potatomcgee6576]

I know "karma is a cat, purring in my lap" isn't technically good lyrically, but sometimes you just need a silly little lyric in a song to make you smile

[@Brittany-v7p]

Would’ve could’ve should’ve gets me every time 😭

HI RACHEL, I LOVE YOUR POETRY SO BAD, have you thought about making an audiobook? Living in Argentina makes it truly difficult and expensive to buy international books, I would love to experience your poetry through your voice, pacing and rhythm. Sending u love from Latin America!

[@emilyshaw8260]

That is such an incredible poem!!!! I'm literally going to buy your book right now!! You are soooo talented Rachel!!

[@mistercarlacat]

Thank you for sharing your poem. I have not had an abusive relationship but have witnessed friends who have, and your performance was beautiful and really welled some emotion up in me.

[@voneyeva]

WOW the difference between her poems and yours is HUGE!! I thought the criticism was kinda rude until I understood everything when you read your poem. Now I get it.

[@mvgs1337]

Your poem was incredible to hear in your own voice, Rachel. Very absorbing and emotional, you should definitely read more in your videos, especially to use as comparison with poorly executed works! ❤

[@stinkygooby5325]

Just wanted to comment and say that the poem you wrote about the circus and the puppeteer was AMAZING, as a writer and artist myself I felt very inspired after hearing you perform it. Very emotional and I loved every second of it :>

[@sparklepie]

I enjoy a lot of your videos but the poetry ones are my favorite. I find your critique helpful to improving my own writing and better understanding poetry as a whole. It's not something taught very much in schools or anywhere I can think so this is an awesome resource to have. Plus you make it really entertaining 🍞🥖

[@gretelbarreto535]

tho i agree with the majority of rachel’s critiques, i feel like it’s kinda unfair/silly to dissect and compare fox’s work so seriously. she’s obviously not a poet or writer, just a celebrity making money off of what she might MAYBE consider to be art. rachel’s poetry was quite impressive tho, nice to hear it!

[@myo5501]

I LOVELOVELOVELOVE YOUR POEMMM and I've never been into poetry at all! I find it hard to keep my attention on anything without multitasking, but I literally sat there and stared at the screen, and listened like you were hypnotising me. I adore it. Also, happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@killthepandas.]

literally same. I was playing the sims while listening to the video but as she was reading her poem i stopped so i could pay full attention to it

[@Emcostanza]

I can’t wait to see where you go with your poetry in the future…just recently purchased your “reflections on healing” and as a fellow childfree woman I really connected with “Romb”. I’m not able to see your more recent live readings since I’m in the US but really looking forward to reading more of your poetry if you ever publish any more!

[@lpurple7093]

I always Love the fact that, even if it is critisism, you always try to be as fair as possible, and even give advice and be honest when you think something is good. This is not hate, and I think it is important to make that kind of content. Thank you for your videos.

[@hanfam7665]

I don’t think I’ve ever been this early to any KZbin vid before. Excited to listen to this vid while I’m working!

[@Max-lh9ko]

Your poem made me shiver. I felt it. So deeply. I´m going to write again. I have so much cramped in my head that needs to be structured and expressed. Thank you for sharing your poem and for inspiring me.

[@brittanymiller4320]

Wow I was mesmerized by your poem... I’m not one who reads/listens to much poetry but that took my breath away and gave me chills all over. Thank you for the sharing the deepest parts of your soul, you are an inspiration to all ❤️

[@kotrynagum]

You are my comfort youtuber. So much intelligence and good vibes. I completely adore you ❤️

[@RachelOates]

Thank you so so so much ❤️

[@marialauraverso]

im so excited and at the same time terryfied of your review of marina and the diamond's poetry book. asdhajsh i hope you review it

[@SoVidushi]

omg yes that would be so good! i've been a fan of her music for so long and the last album's themes made me respect her even more.

[@bennienthejet89]

Thank you for taking the time to perform The Puppet Master. I’m crying. I escaped too.

[@mixkid3362]

Oh man another celebrity "poetry" anthology thats just their Twitter posts reformatted.

[@alexnorth3393]

Still better than lots of classic ultra dull poetry.

[@marlenajackaman736]

I really relate to the introduction in what she said about feeling like a sacrificial lamb for stupid idiots who want to drain you of your life force. I thought you were too harsh, but it is your right. I just don't like how you criticise things by comparing it to what an 'angsty teen would write' because often angsty teens have good ideas, and there is nothing wrong for making content geared towards angsty teens.

[@Wonderoddity]

I’m so glad you shared The Puppetmaster with us!! It was a wonderful narrative poem. Gotta say-I’m quite partial to circus allegories 🤩

[@neiribelin]

Rachel, every time you ramble and end it with 'but I'm rambling again' or do the ninny voices, it makes me smile. I love listening to you and I hope you keep doing these little things that makes you you.

[@laymayday]

The art in that book looks beautiful! 😍

[@YourCompassRose]

I loved hearing you read your own poem

[@mehagupta7214]

Ordered your book from amazon right after you finished reading your poem! I got lost in it, can't wait to experience all of your work :)

[@Tayblu1988]

Thank you for sharing your poem, you are a beautiful writer, and I love listening to you read your poetry. Also, I agree with every criticism you have for Megan’s poetry. I read it earlier this year, and had the same critiques. P.s. I think we have the same birthday, mines April 11. Happy belated birthday!! Hope you had a wonderful time 🫶🏼

[@niabi1268]

Another wonderful video! But I'm begging you - PLEASE fix the audio always being so quiet. I normally listen to youtube with my computers sound at around 20, and to watch your video it needs to be fully at 100 and even then I still have a hard time distinguishing some words. It ends up really hurting my ears when I click off it and forget to turn the sound back to normal. I can't be the only one with this problem. This has been a problem for all of your recent videos at least. Love your work and your commentary!

[@marymurphy1877]

i also have this problem- then when the ads go its absolutely terrifying.

[@solaresares]

Happy birthday Rachel!! I’ve been wanting a good video about her poetry and im so glad you sacrificed yourself for it 😅

[@schnoah1336]

Your poem was so beautiful. I loved how you gave the reader/listener the opportunity to experience what you went through but without leaving them in the circus. Sometimes it's good to sit with certain emotions, but with this kind of topic and the type of abuse that was described, I was releaved and hopeful that it ended on a happy note. I don't know much about poetry but I think your a very good poet. Looking forward to reading more of your poems after I buy your book.

[@MS-wh7ec]

I looooooooved your puppet master poem!!!! Such a powerful ending, what is a puppet master without any puppets - so relatable to a previous relationship of mine, going to buy your book now hehe 😁

[@RachelOates]

Thank you!!

[@amylizard]

Imagine the amazing poems Megan hypothetically could write. Like the pure pressure of having something as fickle as your beauty being the thing millions of people admire you for? The fear that would come with aging, pregnancy, and just life? She has been sexualized since she was a teen and the world was absolutely obsessed with her looks while the men in her life treated her awfully. What does that truly feel like after all this time? But no. Boys. Your poem about domestic violence was breahtaking. Well done, for getting out and getting better ❤

[@lisooman2400]

Wow. Just wow. Your poem truly moved me. The word choice and imagery created by it is so immersive. I love the constant switching up between describing love-bombing and abuse. Also, you perfomed it with such passion and rythm, I am mesmerized.

[@lornatw]

When people say it's your fault for being in an abusive relationship I think they forget that it wasn't like you went on your first date received abuse and decided yes I want this I'll continue this. Nope the abuse develops and exists over time and that's why it's so hard to even recognise as we second guess and we have empathy for the person because there are multiple factors built into the relationship and the person can use those bricks to convince you things are not so bad or just a one off. We use the bricks to remember the good parts and humanise our abuser and build hope and trust and the abuser uses the bricks to build the wall of harm higher and harder to escape from. 💗

[@Ladyfuschiagroan]

Your poem was beautiful. It was a perfect description of what those relationships are like. I wish you didn’t know. I wish I didn’t. You are amazing

[@experiFilm]

Your poem.. it was cathartic. I can't put it into words. Still trying to process these feelings you made me feel. I just broke down in tears. It was heartbreaking and beautiful and it shattered me. It was so accurate to everything I went through. I can't even explain how this has touched me. Thank you. You've changed my life.

[@experiFilm]

Is there a book that this poem is in? I went to your Amazon author link but I don't see the puppet one. I'm really interested in reading all of your poetry. It was so good. I need to own a copy of this and hold it forever.

[@RachelOates]

Thank you! It’s currently in my book Reflections on Healing and there’s a couple more poems about my experience with dv in there too.

[@AnnaAG-yk7mr]

I have no words to explain how your poem touched me. Your are so talented. Have a really nice day 😊 Anna

[@invertedtritone]

as an indian ex-hindu i think i took actual psychic damage from the chakra bit. genuinely... ugh

[@Omgwhydoievenneedahandle]

I love hearing your opinions about poetry! It’s such an interesting form of art.

[@mootyboots]

i really enjoyed your poem a lot, i found it very touching and emotive. you seem to conjure up imagery so easily, it was like being there. your line about your “tongue sharp as sheffield steel” struck a personal chord with me in particular. well done, i will have to look into purchasing your book so i can read some of your other poems :)

[@KimiaXLife]

omg rachel, that was one of the most well-written poems i have ever heard 🧡

[@soliipsiism]

started crying when you described the puppet shaking of its shell and fighting back

[@rosalindmorley]

The poem about Romeo and Juliet falling out of love made me think of Anna Karenina…that is literally what that book is about. There is a wonderful scene I still remember when she and her lover are sipping tea in a quiet room, and she thinks about how he hates every sound she makes, the clink of the cup or her throat swallowing. It’s a great book that explores that topic with a fine tooth comb if anyone is interested ❤love the video

[@kayeatoast]

I usually have Rachel's videos playing in the background like a podcast while i do some tidying up, but when she started reading her poem i just sat down mesmerized for the entire 10mins. I am such a sucker for rhyming couplets. I think it'll be really cool to just have videos of just poetry reading

[@fiery_scream]

Always love your literature reviews! They're the perfect combo of helpful analysis and fun coziness. Going to pour myself a glass of wine to make getting through Megan's work more manageable lol.

[@sarahallegra6239]

Happy birthday, Rachel! Thanks for sharing your excellent take on these poems, one brilliant one of your own and some others that you love! I hope it’s being a wonderful day!!

[@Saphia_]

1:15:02 In Taylor's defense, that's not all of her songs. Especially of her Folklore and Evermore era (also, Carolina. One of my favorite songs). Which reminds me, I really want you to make a video on her songs. Especially ones in Folklore and Evermore. I have always enjoyed Taylor's songs but other than a few, those never made it into my regular playlist. However, all of those two albums (and Carolina) are in my regular playlist and hold such a special place in my heart because of all the imagery and poetic nature of her songs in those two albums. And Carolina because it's so nostalgic even though I have never read Where The Crawdads Sing _or_ heard music of that tune? melody? type? ever before in my life. Please Rachel, fulfill this wish of mine. I really _really_ enjoy listening to you talk about poems (well, everything but especially poems) because you're so passionate about it and you compare the poems to something that has been done better (also, could you please do that for book reviews as well? I loved it when you did it for Verity but I don't think you did it for any others?) and you break those poems down and analyze them which makes it so much easier to understand. Please?

[@pigeondance]

I second this

[@cccuqi7697]

Your poem left me without words but with tears. I loved it. Really great work.

[@laur6313]

I always thoroughly enjoy your constructive critiques, but just dropping in to say seeing Angela Carter's Book of Fairy Tales on your shelf pleased me greatly. One of my favourites.

[@imaanaziz9086]

Hi Rachel! Something you said in this video had me thinking of your view on more 'spiritual' poetry, I don't mean poorly written, but more where there subject is slightly more spiritually oriented (most famously done by Rumi but I'm sure there's a lot more). I know we have our themes/topics that we tend to resonate more with, but as someone who is spiritual and I guess as you said not a 'skeptic', I tend to love poems that explore this further. I guess it's something I've noticed from binge watching your videos though I could be wrong, but I'd love to see you reviewing/analysing poems that are well renowned like Rumi's and Basho or inspired by Plato- that are written from spiritual places, but may not be on a topic you would ordinarily think to connect with! If this is something you're open to, I think it could be a cool video idea. I love poems that explore spirituality because I couldn't think of a better medium of art to do so.

[@delicateBruise]

Here is a poem I wrote, would love your honest opinion! I wrote this during a time I was struggling with an eating disorder/breakup. "My body recognizes only traces, signs and symbols, memories of your skin. My body is a malnourished playground: broken swings, seesaws, sandboxes filled with snow. My body abandoned, reduced to a pile of dust. Shattered flowers, the sharpest bone. My body is a crooked grave, a frightened moon. A distant echo I no longer want to hear. My body is the stranger. Knees, ribcages, raw skin, turned inside and out. My body is a mean drunk shouting love letters into the streets. My body believes in mischief. Barely clinging to life, embarrassing the air."

[@chocolate-almond]

Your poem is amazing!! Such a stark contrast to the poetry in this book

[@soliipsiism]

your puppetmaster poem is incredible. the imagery is so clear and dread inducing. i was hanging on every word

[@RachelOates]

Thank you!!

[@Grace-uf7di]

maybe it's because i'm also autistic, but i've never thought you were "over-explaining" things, at least, not in a negative way. i can't speak for everyone but i come to your channel to hear you talk about things so i enjoy the way you talk and the things you talk about :) keep doing what you're doing and don't feel like you have to apologize or change! also, i started crying when you were talking about your relationship. i've been through a similar situation and i've never heard something that summed up my experiences so well. you made me feel seen for the first time in a while. loved your poem as well

[@SourZappa]

38:38 that little voice was so cute and funny. I’ve never seen one of your videos before so idk if you do that regularly, but it just caught me off guard 😂 laughed way too hard

[@dazeval2372]

I see the moomin behind you! ❤❤❤ love

[@Mylittlestcorner]

Moomin!!

[@Sableagle]

Emma Thorne's been playing a Moomin game on Little Duck Gaming lately. Now I want to see a collaboration.

[@jackthecreature]

Your poem genuinely gave me goosebumps! The imagery of a circus with a puppet master is such an interesting and evocative way to convey this story.

[@jyt74]

Love how you insist poetry be poetry lol. Your explanations are very clear, passionate, and show a respect for language and literature

[@tsunaida]

The first poem could be really good if it was the first and last lines of a fleshed out poem: “I used to believe love was a poem” [Several stanzas comparing the feelings of love to reading beautiful words. Then how those words can be twisted to hurt you and the damage that can be done when an abusive partner moves from one victim to another] “I used to believe love was a poem But now I know love is a killing spree”

[@miilenag]

I loved your poem and loved watching you perform it ❤❤ thank you ❤

[@gemstoned66]

I am autistic as well and really struggled with over explaining because of fear of abandonment. I was always very aware how different I came across to people then I really was and I was very afraid that people would leave me because of that. So many misunderstandings with people that did not put in any effort to understand me so I put in all the effort to try to not even cause any misunderstandings. But that sadly is not how that works, if people want to misunderstand you, they will. The one thing that helped me a lot was not questioning myself as much and just trusting that no one is thinking anything weird about what I said, I just try to let it go in my head and not overthink awkward silence for example. It’s a lot of radical self acceptance, there isn’t a lot you can do to make people understand you so use that energy to become more confident in what you say and not try to guess how the other person takes it in

[@frameout2035]

Pretty boy and violent man is okay, because it shows how the innocence is gone, but I agree boy should come back in the poem