When I first started to write, I was aware of being queer, but I didn't write about it. Queer poems would probably not have been accepted by the editors I sent them to. Thom Gunn acceptawareeditor Change image and share on social
I don't think of sex as a self-destructive impulse. Thom Gunn destructiveimpulsesex Change image and share on social
It was difficult being a teacher and out of the closet in the '50s. By the time I retired, the English department was proud of having a gay poet of a certain minor fame. It was a very satisfactory change! Thom Gunn 50schangecloset share on social
I try not to observe myself in the process of composing a poem because I don't want to come up with a formula, which I would then be unscrupulous in using. Thom Gunn composeformulaobserve Change image and share on social
I work best in rhyme and meter. I was most confident of myself in that way. Thom Gunn confidentmeterrhyme Change image and share on social
Deep feeling doesn't make for good poetry. A way with language would be a bit of help. Thom Gunn bitedeepfelt Change image and share on social
Ginsberg's Collected Poems contains a wonderful poem about making it with Neal Cassady. Thom Gunn cassadycollectginsberg Change image and share on social
