The Secretary Chant

"The Birthday of the World" by Marge Piercy (2006)

“The Birthday of the World” is a more recent Piercy poem published in 2006. This poem exhibits the more autobiographical style in which she said she writes many of her poems. Whereas “The Secretary Chant” is largely abstracted through the use of extensive metaphor, “The Birthday of the World” is more straightforward and intimate in nature.

"Colors Passing Through Us" by Marge Piercy (1999)

“Colors Passing Through Us” is a departure from “The Secretary Chant”; however, it is another example of Piercy’s use of refrain to produce rhythm and atmosphere in a poem. This poem shows another side to Piercy, presenting a focus on nature rather than the manmade environment so deeply explored in “The Secretary Chant.”

"First Turn to Me..." by Bernadette Mayer (1968)

A feminist poem written by second-generation New York School poet, Bernadette Mayer, “First Turn to Me” explores issues of female sexuality in relation to the ways in which patriarchal structures have historically repressed and ignored sexual expression in women.