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29 Jan: "Soft Money" by RAE ARMANTROUT

They're sexy
because they're needy,
which degrades them.
They're sexy because
they don't need you.
They're sexy because they pretend
not to need you,
but they're lying,
which degrades them.
They're beneath you
and it's hot.
They're across the border,
rhymes with dancer —
they don't need
to understand.
They're content to be
(not mean),
which degrades them
and is sweet.
They want to be
the thing-in-itself
and the thing-for-you —
Miss Thing —
but can't.
They want to be you,
but can't,
which is so hot.

3 comments:

  1. soft money- (noun) a contribution to a political party that is not accounted as going to a particular candidate, thus avoiding various legal limitations.

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  2. I was clueless until I figured soft money was a term.

    Actually I still don't get, haha, which is hot!

    It sure is a fun poem to read

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  3. So much sexual energy (mainly feminine!) here...it is confusing to think of in political terms as the "noun" suggests?

    Maybe, this is also a term used for the cash business in general? The sex industry that is always under the table...so to avoid "legal limitations" as well. Which brings about even more pleasure, mystery, and allure. To me- hard money- feels more like the correct term for this description, but maybe "softness" comes from the allure aspect- the movements....feminine movements being more soft and beautiful...? It's a stretch.

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