Exposure
A young man’s face half-hidden from the lens
(By black hat, shadow or the hang of head
Like guilt) commands my eyes in some slick “men’s”
Designer/fashion magazine. I shed
Clichés as macho scales desert my eyes;
I jettison conditioning from years
Of manly expectations and the lies
In girlie publications, admit my fears
Society forbids to hairy males:
I feel a piercing oneness with that boy,
A unity as close as cross and nails
And just as far removed from lightning joy.
I know the darkroom mood without a name
That focuses denial of our shame.