Along with Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams, modernist poet H.D. acted as a central figure in the burgeoning Imagist poetry movement. The writers were inspired by Japanese Haikus and ancient Greek verse, and sought to increase the descriptive potential of poetry. These tenets were outlined in a 1913 manifesto expressing the aims of the Imagist movement. One example of the Imagist Movement is found in H.D.'s "Wine Bowl." Although "Wine Bowl" is not amongst her most known works, it is a poem of significant depth, that clearly demonstrates much of the Imagist styling. It features the Imagist proclivity for classical Greek references, and their tendency to forge precise and clear imagery. It includes plain language, repetitious line structure and a clear delineation between object and subject.
H.D. published her first poetry collection in 1916 and followed with another in 1917. During this time she met Annie Wilifred Ellerman in London, who would become H.D.'s lesbian lover for the remainder of her life, though both would engage in relationships with other men and women. H.D. was vocal and proud of her bisexuality, and is seen as an inspiration to many in the LGBT community. H.D. published numerous works of poetry and prose up until her death in 1961. Her work has been influential to a number of significant poets including Denise Levertov and Allen Ginsberg.
Hilda Doolittle, known by her pen name H.D. has come to be known as a foundational figure in both modern poetry and the advancement of LGBT rights. In 1886, she was born in Pennsylvania, where her father worked as a professor of astronomy. At the age of 15, she befriended Ezra Pound, who would himself become a legendary poet. The two inspired one another to pursue writing, and Pound fell in love with young Doolittle. They were briefly engaged; however,the marriage never occurred. She later met William Carlos Williams, who would leave a similar inspiration.
