I don't know as I get what D.H. Lawrence...

by Frank O Hara

Frank O'Hara

I don't know as I get what D. H. Lawrence
is driving at
when he writes of lust springing from
the bowels
or do I
it could be the bowels of the earth
to lie flat on the earth in spring, summer
or winter is sexy
you feel it stirring deep down slowly up to you
and sometimes it gives you a little nudge in
the crotch
that's very sexy
and when someone looks sort of raggedy and
dirty like Paulette Goddard
in Modern Times it's exciting, it
isn't usual or attractive
perhaps D.H.L. is thinking of the darkness
certainly the crotch is light
and I suppose
any part of us that can only be seen by others
is a dark part
I feel that about the small of my back, too
and the nape of my neck
they are dark
they are erotic zones as in the tropics
whereas Paris is straightforward and bright
about it all
a coal miner has kind of a sexy occupation
though I'm sure it's painful down there
but so is lust
of light we can never have enough
but how would we find it
unless the darkness urged us on and into it
I am dark
except when now and then it all comes clear
and I can see myself
as others luckily sometimes see me
in a good light





Last updated June 24, 2015