i do

what greater thing is there for two human souls

than to feel that they are joined together

to strengthen each other in all labour,

to minister to each other in all sorrow,

to share with each other in all gladness,

to be one with each other in the

silent unspoken memories.

i do

Text: excerpt from ‘Adam Bede’ by George Eliot, c. 1859
Image of men: photographer, sitters, unknown c. 1900
Image of women: Glass plate negative, sitters unknown,
photographer possibly Arthur Phillips, Australia, c. 1910
Powerhouse Museum collection

hide me in your hollows
taste the salt that clings to me
shipwrecked in your shadows
scented by the sea
hide me in the wisdom of your thighs
ride me like a wave

chart my secret places
navigate my shores
map the ocean’s traces
lick them from my pores
dry me with delusion and desire

ride me like a wave

cover me in spray

promise you will stay

Text: Ride Me Like a Wave, Janis Ian (excerpt)
Audio: Ride Me Like a Wave,
words, music, performance by Janis Ian
Image: Photographer, sitters, unknown,
via bobster855/creativecommons/flickr

Many have loved you with lips and fingers
And lain with you till the moon went out;
Many have brought you lover’s gifts!
And some have left their dreams on your doorstep.

But I who am youth among your lovers
Come like an acolyte to worship,
My thirsting blood restrained by reverence,
My heart a wordless prayer.

The candles of desire are lighted,
I bow my head, afraid before you,
A mendicant who craves your bounty
Ashamed of what small gifts she brings.

Text: Love’s Acolyte, Elsa Gidlow (1898-1986)
Image: Subjects unknown, courtesy of John Van Noate