A Strange Clubless Club

The ancient Chinese poets thought that sex

With love was not poetic, not between

A man and woman.  That was more like hex

Than beauty.  Married love was more their scene

Because in it they didn’t have to deal

With body parts.  I think you know just why.

But if a kind of love that did not feel

Erection’s need posed best that love could fly

In lines of poetry.  If men loved men

(And maybe boys), that whiff of loving sings

On artistry with words.  Men loved but then

No kiss or arms could enter in — just wings.

  That caveman Plato didn’t disagree.

    These all thought love should not be sweaty glee.

~ Phillip Whidden