Plato as Hedonist Philanderer

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

“The light in the cavern is daylight, not fire.” ~ Iris Murdoch, The Sea, the Sea

The problem is the lack of daylight, not

The shadows. If the shining were sun’s fire

For silhouettes, philosophy would spot

The truth unless a Nazi-ish desire

Concealed it.  Plato was too privileged, rich

And male to figure out the subtleties

Of thought required.  These caused the mental hitch

That lead to his confusion.  Raised young knees

Contributed as well, perhaps.  A slave boy’s thighs

Forced high for stabbing, penetration made

His brain go haywire, whimpering from his size—

Unless it they were the hairless legs of maid.

  Bright mind went shudderingly, oomphing wrong

    Inside a cave invaded by his prong.

©  Phillip Whidden