From “The Light that Puts an End to Dreams” by Susan Sherman

From "The Light that Puts an End to Dreams"
A Suite for Sor Juana Inés de la  Cruz 1651?-1695
by Susan  Sherman

VI
Do you still draw the outline of her form as you lie
pressed against your pillow as you sit elegant
even in nuns' robes surrounded by thousands
of volumes musical instruments gifts from 
wealthy patrons Is it her features that haunt you
not your devoted Countess she whose portrait 
graces your ring you sonnets safe under 
her name The early days at Court

I learned about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz years ago, but only a year ago did I read her works. She was a feminist and a Chicana philosopher before either of those terms were born into existence. She chose to become a nun so that she could study, something that was frown upon in women outside the service in her time.

I don’t know why I didn’t choose a poem by Sor Juana. Maybe next year, if I remember. If I don’t feel rushed like I did this year.

There is little I know about Susan Sherman, only being introduced to her when I found her book The Light That Puts an End to Dreams, where you can find the complete poem.