Erotic Poem by Louise Glück

The Encounter

by Louise Glück (1941-2023)

You came to the side of the bed
and sat staring at me.


Then you kissed me - I felt
hot wax on my forehead.


I wanted it to leave a mark:
that’s how I knew I loved you.


Because I wanted to be burned, stamped,
to have something in the end -
I drew the gown over my head;
a red flush covered my face and shoulders.


It will run its course, the course of fire,
setting a cold coin on the forehead, between the eyes.


You lay beside me; your hand moved over my face
as though you had felt it also -
you must have known, then, how I wanted you.
We will always know that, you and I.


The proof will be my body.