Elsa Gidlow (1898-1986) was a lesbian poet who was born in Hull and later lived in Canada and the United States. Her collection, On A Grey Thread, was published in 1923 and is thought to be the first ever openly lesbian poetry book to be written and published in North America.
Her Poem, For The Goddess Too Well Known, is an unapologetically gay poem about seducing a woman. This defiant, proud, celebratory announcement of lesbianism is less dangerous today than it once was, but no less radical and incredible.
For The Goddess Too Well Known
I have robbed the garrulous streets, Thieved a fair girl from their blight, I have stolen her for a sacrifice That I shall make to this night. I have brought her, laughing, To my quietly dreaming garden. For what will be done there I ask no man pardon. I brush the rouge from her cheeks, Clean the black kohl from the rims Of her eyes; loose her hair; Uncover the glimmering, shy limbs. I break wild roses, scatter them over her. The thorns between us sting like love’s pain. Her flesh, bitter and salt to my tongue, I taste with endless kisses and taste again. At dawn I leave her Asleep in my wakening garden. (For what was done there I ask no man pardon.)
Read more of her poetry here.
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