Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VARIATIONS ON SAPPHO: 35 by KATHERINE HARRIS BRADLEY

First Line: COME, GORGO, PUT THE RUG IN PLACE
Last Line: THY PRIDE UPON A RING?
Subject(s): GAYS & LESBIANS; PRIDE; HOMOEROTICISM; LESBIANS; GAY WOMEN; GAY MEN; SELF-ESTEEM; SELF-RESPECT;
Come Gorgo, put the rug in place,
And passionate recline;

I love to see thee in thy grace,
Dark, virulent, divine.

But wherefore thus thy proud eyes fix
Upon a jewelled band?

Art thou so glad the sardonyx
Becomes thy shapely hand?

Bethink thee! 'Tis for such as thou
Zeus leaves his lofty seat;

'Tis at thy beauty's bidding how
Man's mortal life shall fleet;

Those fairest hands -- dost thou forget
Their power to thrill and cling?

O foolish woman, dost thou set
Thy pride upon a ring?




Home: PoetryExplorer.net