http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber
This poem was written in 2002.
Now, there was strict Equal Opportunities/Diversity policy where I used to work. Even so, a (straight) colleague once commented that he did not like to see two men kissing in the street or, indeed, anywhere in public. I asked if he would object to kissing by way of a greeting or an impromptu gesture of affection? He insisted, 'Gay men have no right to impose their sexuality on others,' and went so far as to call it obscene for 'setting a bad example, especially to children and vulnerable young adults.'
This poem was written in 2002.
Now, there was strict Equal Opportunities/Diversity policy where I used to work. Even so, a (straight) colleague once commented that he did not like to see two men kissing in the street or, indeed, anywhere in public. I asked if he would object to kissing by way of a greeting or an impromptu gesture of affection? He insisted, 'Gay men have no right to impose their sexuality on others,' and went so far as to call it obscene for 'setting a bad example, especially to children and vulnerable young adults.'
Photo: from the Internet
Yes, children and young people are naturally curious, and may well ask questions, but any suggestion that the sight of two men kissing is going to corrupt anyone has to be a complete nonsense.
I asked my colleague how he felt about two women kissing in public. He replied that was different because 'women often do and one cannot assume they are lesbians'. When I put it to him that his feelings about men kissing were therefore purely homophobic, he simply shrugged and walked away.
I have to admit I don't particularly care for couples - straight or gay - engaged in heavy kissing in public (especially if I happen to be sitting opposite them on a train or bus) but it's supposed to be a free country and I am, after all, free to sit elsewhere...or even close my eyes and surrender to some wishful thinking.
Let's face it, kissing is fun whether or not it may lead to that ultimate treasure trove called love, and I am pleased to say that most journalists I have ever met agree that, straight or gay, it makes no difference.
'With a kiss let us set out for that unknown world.' - Alfred de Musset
'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are reaching for the stars.' - Oscar Wilde
GUTTER PRESS, WORKING MISCHIEF
We kissed, quickening footsteps
rushing by like overflow
from a gutter… and heard voices
mutter, ‘It’s not right to do that
in a busy street, would be different
if they were normal, for heaven’s
sake! It’s a fine modernity permits
promiscuity in full view
of people going about their business,
anxious to cause no offence,
setting an example to our kids,
sure to keep a weather eye
on their peers...getting paranoid
about tabloid whistle blowers,
wondering whose head next will fall,
Big Brother at school, on TV,
at the office, busy making mischief
while Heads, bosses, terrorists,
are poised to mark our cards if only
to make a point unless we, in turn,
make a stand, prepare to deal ourselves
a winning hand…’
‘So much to do, think about, without
having to look at gay folks kissing
in the street as if they had as much right
to be there as we everyday consumers
doing our damn best to rig share prices
and put the world straight.’
We kissed again, quickening footsteps
rushing past like overflow from a gutter,
and multicultural voices muttering …
Copyright R. N. Taber 2004; 2018
[Note: This poem has been slightly revised from the original version as it appears - under the title 'The Kiss' - in The Third Eye, by R. N.Taber, 2004.]
I asked my colleague how he felt about two women kissing in public. He replied that was different because 'women often do and one cannot assume they are lesbians'. When I put it to him that his feelings about men kissing were therefore purely homophobic, he simply shrugged and walked away.
I have to admit I don't particularly care for couples - straight or gay - engaged in heavy kissing in public (especially if I happen to be sitting opposite them on a train or bus) but it's supposed to be a free country and I am, after all, free to sit elsewhere...or even close my eyes and surrender to some wishful thinking.
Let's face it, kissing is fun whether or not it may lead to that ultimate treasure trove called love, and I am pleased to say that most journalists I have ever met agree that, straight or gay, it makes no difference.
'With a kiss let us set out for that unknown world.' - Alfred de Musset
'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are reaching for the stars.' - Oscar Wilde
GUTTER PRESS, WORKING MISCHIEF
We kissed, quickening footsteps
rushing by like overflow
from a gutter… and heard voices
mutter, ‘It’s not right to do that
in a busy street, would be different
if they were normal, for heaven’s
sake! It’s a fine modernity permits
promiscuity in full view
of people going about their business,
anxious to cause no offence,
setting an example to our kids,
sure to keep a weather eye
on their peers...getting paranoid
about tabloid whistle blowers,
wondering whose head next will fall,
Big Brother at school, on TV,
at the office, busy making mischief
while Heads, bosses, terrorists,
are poised to mark our cards if only
to make a point unless we, in turn,
make a stand, prepare to deal ourselves
a winning hand…’
‘So much to do, think about, without
having to look at gay folks kissing
in the street as if they had as much right
to be there as we everyday consumers
doing our damn best to rig share prices
and put the world straight.’
We kissed again, quickening footsteps
rushing past like overflow from a gutter,
and multicultural voices muttering …
Copyright R. N. Taber 2004; 2018
[Note: This poem has been slightly revised from the original version as it appears - under the title 'The Kiss' - in The Third Eye, by R. N.Taber, 2004.]
