Tag: Sappho poetry

Dear Lovestar,

Welcome the poetess into our space today. She has something important to say.

Poetess is one of my favorite words in English. I am the poetess because I create with my feminine energy.

The Poetess

Ode to Sappho, ancient poetess

I created a free eBook to honor the greatest poetess in all of history. Download the free PDF through this link:

https://payhip.com/b/6Tjxz

I was offended that autocorrect changed poetess to some other word. 

The Word “Poetess”: A Forgotten Gem in Language and Why It Deserves a Revival

The word “poetess” evokes a sense of beauty, grace, and history, conjuring images of women who shaped poetry through the ages. While this term was once used to describe a female poet, it has largely fallen out of fashion in modern times. As we explore the ancient roots of this word, why it faded from use, and why it still holds a unique allure, we uncover a rich narrative of gender, art, and language.

Ancient History of “Poetess”\

Ode to Sappho, ancient poetess

I created a free eBook to honor the greatest poetess in all of history. Download the free PDF through this link:

https://payhip.com/b/6Tjxz

The word “poetess” can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where poetry was a revered art form. Female poets were rare but highly respected, such as the famous Sappho of Lesbos, often regarded as one of the greatest lyric poets of antiquity.

The term itself began to gain prominence in English in the 16th and 17th centuries, as poetry became a significant part of European courtly life. Many women who expressed themselves through verse were given the title of “poetess,” a label that both honored their craft and subtly highlighted their gender. It acknowledged their talent while placing them in a separate category from male poets.

Why “Poetess” Fell Out of Use

By the 19th and 20th centuries, the word “poetess” began to carry a different weight. It became associated with a certain patronizing tone, as if female poets were less serious or skilled than their male counterparts. This shift was partly due to the changing social dynamics of the time—women were entering the literary world in greater numbers, and they sought to be recognized simply as “poets,” without the added layer of gender distinction.

The feminist movements of the 20th century further propelled this change. Many women rejected the term “poetess” as it seemed to reinforce a division between male and female creativity, implying that women’s poetry was somehow different or secondary. As equality became the goal, the neutral term “poet” was adopted by women and men alike, with “poetess” seen as outdated and unnecessary.

Why “Poetess” is Beautiful

Though the word “poetess” is seldom used today, it retains a certain beauty and elegance. Its very sound is melodic. More than that, “poetess” carries with it a sense of history, reminding us of the many women who wrote under difficult circumstances, sometimes with little recognition.

The term honors the feminine energy in poetry, which can be nurturing, passionate, intuitive, and fierce. While “poet” is a gender-neutral term that promotes equality, “poetess” offers a nod to the powerful, unique voice of women who have shaped the poetic landscape. It doesn’t diminish their work but instead celebrates the essence of femininity within the craft.

In a world where we often seek to blur distinctions in pursuit of equality, there’s something special about words that acknowledge the feminine presence without devaluing it. “Poetess” is one such word—a celebration of both poetry and womanhood, a reminder that there is beauty in difference, not inferiority.

A Call for Revival

Reclaiming the word “poetess” doesn’t mean we return to an era of gendered titles. Instead, it’s a way to celebrate the legacy of women poets throughout history. It reminds us that art, like language, evolves, and there’s power in acknowledging the past while embracing the future.

Using “poetess” today can be a statement of pride, a nod to the creative feminine spirit that has shaped much of our literary history. It is a word that holds layers of meaning—strength, elegance, artistry—inviting us to remember the women who paved the way in poetry.

In the end, the word “poetess” is not obsolete but rather a forgotten gem, one that can still shine brightly when used with reverence and understanding.

Ode to Sappho, ancient poetess

I created a free eBook to honor the greatest poetess in all of history. Download the free PDF through this link:

https://payhip.com/b/6Tjxz

With Love,

Eve