In the British Library and Later
He spends his life among the books, the great
Ones, yes, of course. He reads about men’s love,
Of Lancelot for Guenevere, and hate
When men love men. He asks himself, “When’s love
If men love men and women?” He leans back
Upon his seat beside the stacks of books.
He chooses not to leave. He chooses slack
Attempts at love, the coyness of looks
In Austen’s ballrooms, coyness aloft
Between the pages. Heroines love men,
In self-control and middle classes, soft
The voice of women, soft the dicks of men.
It’s easier that way, that safer way.
When he gets home, his cock has turned to gray.
~ Phillip Whidden
by phillipw | Mar 2, 2025 | BI, LI, LO, Uncategorized |