“Out of my flesh that hungers and my mouth that knows comes the shape I am seeking for reason.” That is potentially the most elegant way I have ever heard to say that you are feeling randy. First, she describes her lover as a part of her own self. Ok, that somewhat obvious comment aside, let’s talk about why I decided to make myself blush on the Internet. Just beautiful imagery and words and rhythm to it. I will say only this about the sex itself – as a queer lady, Audre Lorde describes it very well. Like, I’m slightly embarrassed to have other people know I like it so much. I’ll just put this out there: that is a really sexy poem. However, I think it best to limit myself to a few highlights – here’s the first of several posts.įirst selected poem: “On a night of the full moon” from Cables to Rage, 1970 I could pick many, many poems to spotlight, and give in-depth analysis of. I could easily spend 10-15 blog posts on how visceral and visual and REAL her poetry is. Reading her work chronologically, sorted by original published book, helped me follow her progress as a poet and in her various life stages.

Seeing the evolution of certain poems was really interesting. This collection is all of her published poetry, including some poems that were edited/rewritten, and re-released. You can (and absolutely should) read an excellent biography and analysis of her themes and impact here. And now that I have read her work, I can’t believe I hadn’t read it before. One of the few Black feminists to achieve a somewhat transcendent recognition of her contribution to the women’s movement, to lesbian rights, to Black women’s identities and activism. One of those names you hear over and over again. She was a recipient of many distinguished honors and awards, including honorary doctorates from Hunter, Oberlin, and Haverford Colleges, and was named New York State Poet (1991-1993).Audre Lorde. you will welcome the sheer accessibility and the force and beauty of this volume.' Out MagazineĪudre Lorde (1934-1992) published nine volumes of poetry and five works of prose. Her poems are powerful, often political, always lyrical and profoundly moving.' Chuckanut Reader Magazine 'What a deep pleasure to encounter Audre Lorde's most potent genius. 'This is an amazing collection of poetry by.

'The first declaration of a black, lesbian feminist identity took place in these poems, and set the terms-beautifully, forcefully-for contemporary multicultural and pluralist debate.' Publishers Weekly 'These are poems which blaze and pulse on the page.'Adrienne Rich A complete collection-over 300 poems-from one of the twentieth century's most influential poets.

The collected poems of audre lorde