Printed Fetish-Themed Poetry
From formal verse to stream-of-consciousness prose, Taboo sometimes published original poetry that expressed complex erotic power.
In 1984, Taboo became the premiere fetish magazine of its time, featuring photographs and stories exploring bondage, domination, sadomasochism, and fetish fashion. It was also known for the inclusion of erotic fiction, including short stories written by authors such as Anne Rice and Pat Califia. However, despite the wide range of material it covered, the magazine's most consistent feature was its collection of printed fetish-themed poetry.
The editors of Taboo recognized the potential of this unique literary form, which allowed writers to explore themes and ideas that were often too risqué for mainstream publication. They sought out poets who could push boundaries while still maintaining a high level of craftsmanship and creativity. The result was a body of work that ranged from traditional forms like sonnets and haikus to free-verse experiments.
One early example is "Bondage," an eight-line poem by Mary Gaitskill that appeared in the September 1985 issue of Taboo. In just a few words, she manages to evoke the sensuality and danger of BDSM play:
"Bound, I am yours/I feel your hands upon me/The rope burns my wrists/But I don't mind./Your lips are fire/So hot on mine/You take control/As you should./My flesh trembles/And I know I am safe./Oh master, bind me tighter."
Other poems took more experimental approaches. For instance, John Rechy's "Leather Talk," published in the November 1987 issue, presents a series of fragments that read almost like stream-of-consciousness prose:
"He says his leather's made him feel strong/heavy-duty/like steel reinforced concrete/a big rock/but now it's become as soft as skin."
These short bursts of language capture the intensity of a sexual encounter, conveying both the physical pleasure and emotional connection between partners.
Over time, fetish poetry became increasingly popular within the magazine, appearing alongside essays, interviews, and photographs. By presenting this material in print form, Taboo helped to legitimize erotic artistry and challenge preconceived notions about what was acceptable or appropriate. This made it an important voice in the LGBTQ+ community, where many writers and artists were exploring their identities through erotica for the first time.
Fetish poetry continues to thrive today, with publications such as Perverts Put To Paper and Sex Magazine offering new perspectives on BDSM and kink culture. However, they owe much to the pioneering work done by Taboo and its contributors who dared to push boundaries while staying true to their craft.