The Queer Intimacy Poem by TALAL KASSAD

I. THE FIRST MEETING

THE HORSE

Why I love thee why I might
Take thee one day out of spite
Is because we look alike.
So engaging is your sight.
Be thou bending or upright,
I wilt take thee come what might.

THE WOMAN

Try to keep thy tongue at bay
Father told me not to say
Any that gives myself away

THE CHORUS

Off he went, thus weeping, nay
Seeking fortune night and day.

THE HORSE (to himself)

Do inject them with a bribe!
Then the flesh will be well ripe.

II. AT SCHOOL

THE CHORUS

When they saw him in disguise
Partly stupid partly wise
Only one could first surmise
Such a figure was not wise.

Hence the student asked him why
Teachers mostly don’t reply

Up he jumped as if to fly
Saying only ‘Stop you guy’
So ashamed was he and shy.

Then the student heaved such sighs.
Anguished tears blurred his eyes.
Once again he tried to ask
Then the teacher did but rise

THE TEACHER

Shut your mouth and stop this talk
Or upon you I will walk

THE CHORUS

Not until he jumped with force
Could they know he was a horse.

III. IN THE STREET

THE HORSE (to the woman)

Come at peace and stop this fight!
I have brought you what is bright;
Gold and silver, money’nd might
Take them all but show your sight

THE WOMAN

Come dear come and get your way
Come and love me twice a day
I am you and you are I
Never can I go away.