Derived from the Greek root homo rather than from the Latin word for man, the term emphasizes the sameness of the two individuals who are involved in a sexual relation.
—Kinsey1
i.
A flowering of tongue fragrant
with a love unspoken, fluent
in being broken, in knowing
antecedents of expressions
by only their silent showing
poking through, as though clairvoyant
bloom from scoundrel mouth-tombs by glimpse
summoned, to wound imperfections
from within without an ancient
arrogance, each harrowing since
springs began beginnings, against
winters’ ends bones of light thrown sing
in choosing not to choke, buoyant
on the wind, ache blown by moaning.
ii.
Of that same ache make enchantment
taking some chances, from strangers’
mouths pull petals wet echoing
triggers to full choir, connections
coiling electric as between
four lips two mouths fill with current,
sizzling ambient, as though men
becoming accustomed mention
nothing, but let scorch etch in them
florid lightning scribing cursive
torrents each vein takes as flagrant
payment for fates wagered, going
so far as to shake filaments
together, bulbs breaking open.
iii.
Neon venom spilling hydrants,
leaking iridescent crying,
silent alphabets weep glowing,
spelling desperate affections,
telegraph intense messages
only those this effervescent
bubble over with excitement,
troubling each other touch tempts when
rubbing to surface evidence
of this thing growing between them,
this knowing that what seems dormant
awakes from its foreshadowing,
without more warning than the want,
the urge to burn’s glacial slowing.
__________
1Alfred Kinsey, “Definition” in “Chapter 21[.] Homosexual Outlet” of “Part III. Sources of Sexual Outlet” in Sexual Behavior in the Human Male: Alfred C. Kinsey: Wardell B. Pomeroy: Clyde E. Martin, published at Philadelphia by W. B. Saunders Company in 1949; page 612.
Jono Borden 