Tove Irma Margit Ditlevsen (14 December 1917 – 7 March 1976) was a Danish poet and author. With published works in a variety of genres, she was one of Denmark's best-known authors by the time of her death.
Den hemmelige rude udkom første gang i 1961. Digtsamlingen behandler klassiske Ditlevsen-temaer som erindring og depression.