The Great Mirror of Same-Sex Love - Poetry - 103. Allie Foss, from "Hardrock for Jackchazz"

First published in a Gay poetry magazine, in August 1970, Foss' poem is a good representation of both the type of content and formatting style of Queer poetry from the late '60- early '70s era.

It's funny, but I am working on translating Toni Schwabe's poetry from the early part of the 20th century, and she has poems very much like the one above. The art/experience of these poets comes through despite apparent differences in nationality or time setting.

I am struck by the images of light and shadow, and how these propel the reader through the poem. I felt driven forward, accelerating my way through it, even as I tried to hit my inward brakes to take it all in. 

On 8/26/2023 at 5:02 PM, Parker Owens said:

I am struck by the images of light and shadow, and how these propel the reader through the poem. I felt driven forward, accelerating my way through it, even as I tried to hit my inward brakes to take it all in. 

Thank you, Parker. The art journal poetry, of this post-Stonewall era, that I've encountered, all seems to celebrate liberated spirits in abundance. Although a cliche, one can certainly claim the floodgates on feelings were knocked down by these 20-somethings who forced the weight of the world's oppression from their shoulders.

And Foss' poem above explores the emotional realness, in my opinion, of a Bi person's inner life, although perhaps she's more drawn to the connection she feels with women in intimate settings. For this, this poem and Allie Foss' voice is an important one to celebrate