Male lust and male shame often go hand-in-hand. Here they are together, in Bill Moser’s concrete little piece about “that guy” we’ve all seen or at least heard about.
In the Magazine Corner
Of Crown Books each Saturday
Long before closing
A grizzled man thumbs
Through skin mags.
Under the florescent glare
Where page by page
Centerfolds bloom,
He scans acres of peach or
Cocoa skin,
Looking at breasts whose
Surgical scars are only almost
Airbrushed out.
Maidens on their knees kiss mirrors
Suck their fingers or spread and
Thrust their polished pussies to the lenses
Of cameras, spectacles, or naked eyes.
Each Saturday he stands
And frankly scrutinizes them. At closing time
He rams clasped fists into his pockets,
And, without a glance
To right or left, withdraws.
***
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Nicely written. Yesterday I was reading yet another article on facebook regarding the objectification of women in media, and how it contributes to dehumanization. The comments were predictably contentious and vitriolic, especially from the feminist side. The issue is, I think, a legitimate one, in that women should not be treated solely as sex objects, and that the media contributes to the idea that it’s perfectly fine to ignore the rest of their humanity and human potential. The problem with that viewpoint, however, is it’s short-sightedness. That hardly tells the whole story, or even suggests a viable solution–unless you think… Read more »
I submitted an article very closely related to what you’re talking about here. It has yet to be approved — and I’m a little afraid it won’t be, precisely because it asks men to be honest with themselves about their (socially less desirable) masculine traits. https://goodmenproject.com/?p=117188&preview=true&preview_id=117188&preview_nonce=41465e82e0 I think it is VERY important that we (as men) are understanding of both our masculine and feminine sides. Recently, we’ve been doing a pretty good job about making the case that men can cry, and feel emotions, and be sensitive, and be caregivers… but what about the guys who need some direction on… Read more »
I’d like to read your submission (the link tells me I’m not allowed). I find the subject interesting; I don’t know if it makes sense, since I’VE always had a relatively low sex drive, I just think the sexually repressive nature of misguided feminism is detrimental to the cause of equality.
If you’re interested, here’s a link to the post on my blog: http://www.themanthropologist.net/blog/lggnf33py3i1jly0iehcfd0wspqj1l1/16/2014
Let me know what you think.
I will add – it’s interesting that the GMP editors added the word “shame” to the description, when shame isn’t necessarily inherent to the piece. Perhaps the “grizzled man” is perfectly content and unashamed of his saturday ritual. And why shouldn’t he be?
Dr. Gordon–thanks for weighing in! I’m the poetry editor, and I put “shame” in the description because I read the last three lines of the poem:
He rams clasped fists into his pockets,
And, without a glance
To right or left, withdraws.
as indicative of embarrassment, a desire to be invisible, “discreet.” I certainly wasn’t trying to indicate any personal disapproval of the character’s actions.
That’s one of the great things about poetry; different readers bring different understandings to the text!
Thanks for responding. I agree with you about poetry being open to interpretation – but I’d argue that your sense of “shame” in the last stanza is your interpretation. The last stanza might also be said to describe “resolve” or (as you say) discretion, neither of which necessarily implies shame. I only make a point about this, bc I know a lot of men struggle with shame. Especially with regard to their sexualities. I think letting the reader interpret their own emotion from the poem makes it more powerful and compelling. Was the man ashamed..should he be.. maybe he just… Read more »
Point taken.
Cool piece, Bill. I like the honest look – and leaving the reader to his/her own impressions or judgements.
To David’s point – sure most people get their porn on the internet nowadays, but the idea & imagery are sound.
Circa 1975?
This was more like 1992 than 1975.