If there is a word in the lexicon of love, it will not declare itself. The nature of words is to fail men who fall in love with men. It will not declare itself, the perfect word. Boyfriend seems ridiculous: men who fall in love with men deserve something a bit more formal. The perfect word? Boyfriend? Ridiculous. But partner is . . . businesslike— we deserve something a bit less formal, much more in love with love. But if partner is businesslike, then lover suggests only sex, is too much in love with love. There is life outside of the bedroom, and lover suggests only sex. We are left with roommate, or friend. There is life, but outside of the bedroom. My friend and I rarely speak of one another. To my left is my roommate, my friend. If there is a word in the lexicon of love, my friend and I rarely speak it of one another. The nature of words is to fail.
I absolutely love this poem.
Not only is it a brilliantly written Pantoum but the message resonates with so many of us. If you’re not married what DO you call your…….other half??
Boyfriend makes me sound like I’m 17 again!
Partner is very formal / non-descript
Lover, I agree as stated in the poem, just sounds like a full on shag-fest bonking!……I mean……what’s not to like there though?……..
Other half…well, sounds ok but to me seems a bit Chas n Dave rabbit rabbit rabbit rabbit ‘er indoors bleedin’ ‘ell woman!
My man / My woman……let’s not go there. A heated debate could ensue on the connotations…..!
So what DO you call your non-married……….”person” in your life? I’d love to know!
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