http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber
I have some readers in Ukraine so when one contacted me suggesting I write another ‘place’ poem for what is LGBT History month here in the UK, I naturally gave it a lot of thought, resulting in the villanelle below.
‘Non-commercial, same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults in private is legal in Ukraine, but prevailing social attitudes are often described as being intolerant of LGBT people and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for any of the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. In a 2010 European study, 28% of Ukrainians polled believed that LGBT individuals should live freely and however they like.’ – Wikipedia
While even just 28% is encouraging, what of the majority 72%? How long will it take them to get real about their gay neighbours when, after all, it involves no more or less than practising an everyday humanity?
If there is one thing this changing world of ours has yet to learn, it is that human rights and cultural rites are NOT mutually exclusive; only then are we likely to see less local, national and international in-fighting...
NO LEGISLATION FOR BAD ATTITUDE or GAY IN UKRAINE
Come a 21st century modernity
(to all intents and purposes)
old prejudices (still) a priority
That usual culprit, immorality,
furthering social causes,
come a 21st century modernity
Less tolerant of homosexuality
(in traditionalist families)
old prejudices (still) a priority
Doing battle with its historicity
(powerful cultural forces)
come a 21st century modernity
Human rights demanding eqality
(encouraged by EU laws)
old prejudices (still) a priority
Few acknowledging our integrity,
gay folks cast long shadows;
come a 21st century modernity,
old prejudices (still) a priority
Copyright R. N. Taber 2016
I have some readers in Ukraine so when one contacted me suggesting I write another ‘place’ poem for what is LGBT History month here in the UK, I naturally gave it a lot of thought, resulting in the villanelle below.
‘Non-commercial, same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults in private is legal in Ukraine, but prevailing social attitudes are often described as being intolerant of LGBT people and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for any of the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. In a 2010 European study, 28% of Ukrainians polled believed that LGBT individuals should live freely and however they like.’ – Wikipedia
While even just 28% is encouraging, what of the majority 72%? How long will it take them to get real about their gay neighbours when, after all, it involves no more or less than practising an everyday humanity?
If there is one thing this changing world of ours has yet to learn, it is that human rights and cultural rites are NOT mutually exclusive; only then are we likely to see less local, national and international in-fighting...
Kiev - Photo from the Internet
This poem is a villanelle.NO LEGISLATION FOR BAD ATTITUDE or GAY IN UKRAINE
Come a 21st century modernity
(to all intents and purposes)
old prejudices (still) a priority
That usual culprit, immorality,
furthering social causes,
come a 21st century modernity
Less tolerant of homosexuality
(in traditionalist families)
old prejudices (still) a priority
Doing battle with its historicity
(powerful cultural forces)
come a 21st century modernity
Human rights demanding eqality
(encouraged by EU laws)
old prejudices (still) a priority
Few acknowledging our integrity,
gay folks cast long shadows;
come a 21st century modernity,
old prejudices (still) a priority
Copyright R. N. Taber 2016
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