3/11/16
William Blake’s Flash Poem on Sexual Manners

Late 18th-century poet William Blake’s famous Songs of Innocence were often thought to be merely children’s verse. But don’t mistake simplicity and concision for lack of depth. Take this little gem, one of his Gnomic Verses — just 4 lines, 26 words in total, and only 14 unique words in all! In that neat package, he has answered not only what women want, but what men want, too: simply to feel we have been loved (even if, perhaps, we’re deluding ourselves). Turns out the sexes aren’t so different after all.

williamblackcoverThe Question Answered
by William Blake

What is it men in women do require?
The lineaments of Gratified Desire.
What is it women do in men require?
The lineaments of Gratified Desire.

 

Another old poet pushing gender equality (to get laid):
John Donne’s “To His Mistress Going to Bed”

 



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