Taatamata and Denham Russell-Smith

Taatamata and Denham Russell-Smith

The evidence, it seems, implies that stuff

With women caused him greatest grief, except

For Taatamata.  Mother was enough

To force him to desire control.  She kept

Him on the tightest lead, as best she might,

And love for Ka produced a nervous snap that sent

Him all around the world.  One surging night

His love for younger males received assent

From Denham Russell-Smith who in return

Received command from Rupert.  This control

Urged, utter, hard.  In Rupert it was stern.

In Denham, welling up, the need was whole.

..Assent is what the poet wanted most.

….He got it from one hostess and one host.

Phillip Whidden