appear before.

This image shows a blackout poetry piece created on page 175 of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”. The background is predominantly drawn over in green marker. Select words and phrases have been left uncovered, creating a new poetic message. Images of nature have been pasted over the blacked-out portions of the text.

By Sara Stillitano

appear before.
me

I dwell upon

My own
narration.
My father lived; but
wandered lost

affection
clings to
grey hairs,
the springs of existence
gave way: to

darkness
meadows
of my youth;

called me
solitary
useless
revenge.
reflect on their
monster
my
rage
might have
cursed
itself