Sapphic Poetry, a genre steeped in history and emotion, holds a significant place in literature. From its origins with the legendary Sappho of Lesbos to contemporary voices, this form of poetic expression has captured the complexities of love, longing, and female experience. This article will delve into the evolution of sapphic poetry, highlighting key figures and their contributions to this enduring art form.
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Sappho: The Mother of Sapphic Verse
The term “sapphic” itself derives from Sappho, a Greek poet who lived on the island of Lesbos around 600 BCE. Though only fragments of her work survive, their evocative power resonates even today. Anne Carson’s translations in If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho offer a glimpse into Sappho’s world, where intimate moments and intense emotions are captured with exquisite beauty:
He seems to me equal to the gods that man
whoever he is who opposite you
sits and listens close
to your sweet speaking
Fragment of Sappho's poetry
Sappho’s influence on literature is undeniable, not only for giving us the terms “lesbian” and “sapphic” but also for laying the groundwork for generations of women who would use poetry to express their love and desires.
Sapphic Voices Through the Centuries
The legacy of Sappho continued to inspire poets across cultures and time periods. In 9th-century China, Wu Tsao, a celebrated poet whose work was sung throughout the land, openly expressed her love for women, including courtesans. Her poem “For the Courtesan Ch’ing Lin,” translated by Kenneth Rexroth and Ling Chung, reveals the depth of her passion and admiration:
On your slender body
Your jade and coral girdle ornaments chime
Like those of a celestial companion
In the early 20th century, Natalie Clifford Barney defied societal norms with her publication of Quelques Portraits-Sonnets de Femmes (Some Portrait-Sonnets of Women), a collection of lesbian love poems. Her lover, Renée Vivien, followed suit with her own evocative poetry, filled with allusions to Sappho and unapologetically celebrating female love. Vivien’s poem “The Touch” exemplifies her sensual and evocative style:
The trees have kept some lingering sun in their branches,
Veiled like a woman, evoking another time,
Sapphic Poetry in the Modern Era
The 20th century saw a flourishing of sapphic poetry in the English-speaking world. Elsa Gidlow, with her 1923 publication On A Grey Thread, introduced explicitly lesbian poetry to American audiences. Her later collection, Sapphic Songs, continues to resonate with readers:
I have robbed the garrulous streets,
Thieved a fair girl from their blight,
Audre Lorde, a towering figure in 20th-century literature, fearlessly explored themes of race, sexuality, and sexism in her powerful poetry. Her “Love Poem” captures the raw intensity of desire and connection:
Speak earth and bless me with what is richest
make sky flow honey out of my hips
Alongside Lorde, Pat Parker, a Black lesbian feminist poet, gave voice to marginalized experiences with unflinching honesty and wit. Her poem “For Willyce” stands as a testament to the power of love and the reclaiming of female pleasure:
For Willyce by Pat Parker
Contemporary Sapphic Poetry: A Continuing Evolution
Sapphic poetry continues to thrive in the 21st century, with contemporary poets like Julie R. Enszer exploring new themes and pushing boundaries. Enszer’s collection Sisterhood features poems like “Zyklon B,” a powerful reflection on history, identity, and the complexities of living in a world marked by both love and oppression.
Another contemporary voice, Julie Marie Wade, explores the journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of embracing one’s identity in her poignant collection When I Was Straight:
I did not love women as I do now.
I loved them with my eyes closed, my back turned.
Discovering More Sapphic Poetry
The exploration of sapphic poetry offered here is just a starting point. Numerous resources are available for those seeking further immersion in this rich literary tradition, including anthologies, online lists of contemporary poets, and literary awards dedicated to LGBTQ+ literature. The world of sapphic poetry is vast and ever-evolving, offering a powerful and enduring testament to the complexities of love, identity, and the female experience.