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