Socially Responsible Orgasms Poem by gershon hepner

Most orgasms may be less sociable than
the kisses that ought to precede them,
two people competing, a woman and man––
or two of a kind, I’m not here to condemn! ––
to achieve for himself or herself––well whatever! ––
the climax that they have both joined to enjoy,
experiencing it at the moment they sever
awareness of anything other than joy,
in contrast to kisses that last only when
the partners who share them are joined by a kiss,
not as women who climax alone or their men,
but as sociable beings who cross an abyss.

Inspired by the name of an exhibition of art by Karl Haendel at the Harris Lieberman Gallery,89 Vandam Street, SoHo, called “How to Have a Socially Reponsible Orgasm and Other Life Lessons, ” reviewed in the NYT by Ken Johnson.

6/12/09