“Rune of the Finland Woman,” by Marilyn Hacker
July 7, 2010
A poem that can dandle foundlings in their mother tongue.
At 1.34 or so, the word I stumble over is important. Not imported or Humperdinck or some other near homophone. This poem is a tongue twister, devilish-hard to read cleanly all the way through. And you know, that’s one of the reasons I love “Finland Woman” and am dazzled by the Finland Woman: the things she can do, while I can barely read her!
I read “Rune of the Finland Woman” from Rebel Angels: 25 Poets of the New Formalism, edited by Mark Jarman and David Mason (Story Line, 1996).
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Belly up, it's A Poetry Feed. 
I remember this from class.. Very difficult to read. You did well though, as you always do. Can I request that you read ‘Praying Drunk’? That was one of my favorites.
Thanks, Shanna. And “Praying Drunk”? For sure! I’m pretty sure it’s in that same collection as this one, which is sitting right here beside me. Look for it tomorrow.