POLITICAL Poem: Object of Desire, by Nicholas Zgraggen

Longing for me in secrecy,
Like something out of a playboy magazine
The male gaze onto me,
Hidden out of fear.

Placated, by virtue to your father’s obedience

A fantasy to be his perfect son
Ruined by late night engagements–
That we’ll never speak of.

I see the way you stare at me in public
I watch the way you adjust yourself
Chained at the waist like a self imposed chastity belt
Torture chamber, party of one

Behind closed doors I am beholden
To someone different
Intimate and soft.
Your voice falling short–-
Choking on the words—

“I love you”