INTRODUCTION TO GLADYS
CROMWELL'S POEMS
The poetry of Gladys Cromwell was that of an out-dweller on modern life. In it there are no mannerisms, no novelties. Personality is expressed, but it is not exhibited. It is a poetry that has the accent of actuality, but of an actuality known to a noble heart and a distinguished spirit.
There is nothing facile in these poems. Indeed in certain of them the workmanship is halting and unachieved. But in the poems that are the least fluent there are moments of mastery—moments when the words become alive with spirit. Such a poem as "Conflict" seems to come out of the silence and the dark like a living thing. And there is exquisite achievement in "The Mould," "Folded Power," "Autumn Communion," "Star Song," "Definition," "Dominion," "The Crowning Gift." These are fine lyrics indeed—indubitably amongst the best that has been written in our day.
Amongst many other distinctions this poetry has the distinction of being a woman's poetry.
[vii]
