Gravity and Center

Gravity and Center
By Henri Cole

I'm sorry I cannot say I love you when you say

you love me. The words, like moist fingers,

appear before me full of promise but then run away

to a narrow black room that is always dark,

where they are silent, elegant, like antique gold,

devouring the thing I feel. I want the force

of attraction to crush the force of repulsion

and my inner and outer worlds to pierce

one another, like a horse whipped by a man.

I don't want words to sever me from reality.

I don't want to need them. I want nothing

to reveal feeling but feeling—as in freedom,

or the knowledge of peace in a realm beyond,

or the sound of water poured in a bowl.


About the Poem

Henri Cole's poem “Gravity and Center” is a meditation on desire, longing, and the search for balance in life. Like much of Cole’s poetry, it explores personal emotions and experiences with a lyrical and restrained intensity. The poem captures the tension between wanting and letting go. Cole often writes about longing in a way that feels both personal and universal, reflecting the fleeting nature of human emotions and attachments.

The title suggests an invisible force that both holds things together and pulls them apart. Gravity can symbolize love, duty, or an internal struggle—things that keep a person anchored yet also cause tension. In contrast to gravity, the "center" suggests balance, self-control, or a point of inner peace. The poem may be about the struggle to find equilibrium between emotional intensity and the need for stability.

Cole frequently explores themes of identity, love, and mortality. This poem, in particular, conveys a sense of longing that might be connected to love, self-acceptance, or the search for meaning. “Gravity and Center” is deeply introspective, with a restrained yet emotionally charged tone. Cole’s use of simple yet elegant language allows for multiple interpretations, making the poem resonate with a wide audience. His poetry often embraces a balance between the personal and the universal, allowing readers to see their own experiences reflected in his words.

“Gravity and Center” is a poignant reflection on the human condition—our desires, our struggles for balance, and the forces that shape our emotional lives. Henri Cole's precise and evocative style invites readers to sit with these tensions and reflect on their own experiences of love, longing, and stability.


About the Poet

Henri Cole is an American poet known for his deeply personal, lyrical, and emotionally introspective poetry. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1956 to a French-Armenian mother and an American father, he grew up in Virginia. His work often explores themes of identity, love, desire, loss, and self-examination with a delicate yet powerful style. 

Cole’s poetry is characterized by its precise language, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. He frequently writes about desire, human relationships, and personal reflection, often weaving in themes of queerness and self-acceptance. His poems are elegant yet restrained, blending formal precision with raw emotion. He is often compared to poets like Elizabeth Bishop and James Merrill for his attention to craft and lyricism.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Jackson Poetry Prize, the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Cole has taught at various universities and is regarded as one of the most significant contemporary American poets. Henri Cole’s poetry is admired for its emotional clarity, precision, and ability to capture deep human experiences with simple yet profound language. His work resonates with those who appreciate poetry that is both intimate and universal.

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DST

I hate the time changing, and I know I’m not the only one. When we gain an hour in the fall isn’t too bad, but when we lose an hour in spring, it can be difficult to get back on schedule. Even though I went to bed at 10 pm last night, I didn’t wake until my alarm went off at 5:30 am. I have the alarm set, not really to wake me up because Isabella usually does a very good job of that, but so I don’t oversleep. It’s sort of my last ditch effort to wake up. Normally, it’s not very useful, but it was this morning. I don’t understand how I can get the same amount of sleep, and sometimes even more than usual, but still feel this tired and sleepy when I wake up. Maybe it’s because it’s a Monday. Whatever the reason, I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

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Start Each Day with Hope

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

—Psalm 118:24

Mornings can be tough, especially when the world around us feels heavy. As gay men, many of us have faced rejection, loneliness, or struggles with self-acceptance. Some days, it’s easy to wake up feeling discouraged, wondering if things will ever truly get better, especially under the current administrations regime. But here’s the truth: Every day we wake up is a new opportunity—a fresh start filled with God’s love, grace, and purpose. The enemy would love nothing more than for us to wake up and immediately focus on what’s wrong—the hardships, the disappointments, the fears, especially the fears. But God calls us to something greater. Instead of dwelling on the negativity, what if we started each day by thanking God for another chance to experience His goodness?

Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This means that our outlook on life isn’t shaped by what happens to us, but by how we choose to see it. Even when things look bleak, we can renew our minds by focusing on God’s promises rather than our problems. One of the most beautiful reminders in Scripture comes from Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” No matter what happened yesterday—no matter the mistakes, the hurt, or the disappointment—God’s mercies are fresh each morning. He doesn’t hold our past against us. He meets us with grace and gives us the strength to keep going.

Before you even get out of bed, declare God’s truth over your life. Say, “I am loved. I am chosen. I have a purpose.” This affirmation reminds me of the movie, The Help. It’s a look at life in Jackson, Mississippi back in the early 60’s when racial division and inequality were most evident in the lives of the citizens of that community. I’ve watched The Help several times, and I am sadly reminded of a time when so many people were marginalized and treated as if they were less-than-human. I guess part of what saddens me is that much of the division and inequality between races remains still. We also see division and inequality today, especially with how politicians and churches treat transgender individual and other members of the LGBTQ+ community. In the movie, an African-American maid and nanny named Aibileen Clark, played by Viola Davis, helps to raise a young white girl named Mae Mobley, played by Eleanor Henry. In her role as a nurturing care-giver, Aibileen attempts to speak encouragement, value and worth into the life of the young girl by having her repeat several phrases along with her. “You is smart, you is kind, you is important.” Similarly, we can tell ourselves “I am loved. I am chosen. I have a purpose.”

Be mindful of what you consume in the morning. Instead of doomscrolling or watching latest disasters on the news, start your day with some good music, read your Bible, say a prayer, or just take a long hot shower to rinse away all the negativity you might have woken up with that morning. Some days will still be hard. There will be moments when the weight of the world feels overwhelming. But even in those moments, remember: You are not alone. God sees you, He loves you, and He has plans for you. There are also people in your life who love you and care about you. There are people who make you happy, remember them. So today, no matter what you’re facing, take a deep breath and say: This is the day the Lord has made—I will rejoice and be glad in it! Thank the Lord for a new day and fresh mercies. When life feels overwhelming, God can help us focus on His goodness instead of our worries. We should fill our hearts with joy, our minds with peace, and our spirits with strength. No matter what comes our way, we can choose to trust in God and embrace this day with hope. Go forward today and everyday knowing you are deeply loved, and let that love be the reason you rise each morning with joy. 

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Moment of Zen: Nature Walks

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Better

Thankfully, I am feeling better today. Yesterday was a doozy of a migraine, and I ended up taking a sick day from work. Today is a work from home day, which means I can take it a little easier and be more comfortable than if I were at the office. I have a bit of work that has to be done, so I can’t take it too easily. 

Late this afternoon, I have an appointment with my eye doctor. I haven’t had an eye exam in several years, and I know it’s past time to get one. My eye sight has definitely gotten worse, and I need to know for sure what strength reading glasses I need. Also, I’m out of contacts, and I need a new prescription to buy any more.

Even though it will be a work from home day, it will also be a busy day. At least it’s Friday. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

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Bad Sleep

I had a terrible night’s sleep last night. I went to bed about an hour early, but I was awake at 2:30 am. I tried going back to sleep and may have dozed a bit. However, when I woke up again, it was 3:00 am. At 3:30 am, I was wide awake. I never did fall back to sleep again. I was in that half awake, half sleep mode until I finally got up for good a little after 5:00 am. I also woke up with a headache. If my headache doesn’t improve soon (sometimes it does once I am up and moving around), I’m going to call in sick to work. 

Here’s your Isabella pic of the week:

She was such a cute little kitten. She seemed to be all fluff.

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Framing Desire: Early Artful Erotic Photography

Wilhelm von Gloeden, Caino

Archivi Alinari, Florence, Italy

The history of early photography of naked men is closely tied to artistic traditions, social taboos, and legal restrictions, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While photography provided a new medium for capturing the human form, it also faced censorship and moral scrutiny. As a result, photographers often had to employ various strategies to create images that were erotic but still permissible under the law.

In the 19th century, nude male photography was often justified through its connection to classical art and academic study. Photographers used the precedent set by Greek and Roman sculpture, Renaissance paintings, and life drawing classes to frame their work as educational and artistic rather than pornographic. By emphasizing the male nude as a study of anatomy or an expression of classical beauty, they were able to produce and circulate such images under the guise of art.

F. Holland Day, Youth Leaning on a Stone, 1907

Many early photographers of nude men focused on athleticism and physical perfection, presenting their subjects as bodybuilders, wrestlers, or classical figures. This approach aligned with the growing interest in physical culture and health movements of the late 19th century. The work of photographers like Eadweard Muybridge, who captured male movement in a scientific manner, helped lend legitimacy to nude male imagery as a form of study rather than explicit erotica.

Some photographers created nude male studies specifically for artists to use as reference material. These "academic nudes" often depicted men in classical poses, mimicking sculptures like those of Michelangelo or Praxiteles. By presenting these images as educational tools, photographers could justify the nudity and avoid accusations of obscenity.

Eadweard Muybridge, Lawn Tennis, Serving, 1887

Boston Public Library 

To cater to an audience that sought erotic imagery without violating legal restrictions, photographers used subtle posing, lighting, and suggestive themes to create implied sensuality. Some of the most common techniques included partial nudity (e.g., drapery covering genitals), positioning subjects in classical, heroic, or mythological contexts, physical intimacy without overt sexuality (such as men wrestling), and soft focus and artistic blurring to create an impressionistic effect that distanced the images from explicit realism.

Some of the most significant photographers of male nudes include Wilhelm von Gloeden (1856–1931), Fred Holland Day (1864–1933), Baron Wilhelm von Plüschow (1852–1930), and Eadweard Muybridge (1830–1904). Gloeden was famous for his staged photographs of young men in classical and pastoral settings in Sicily. His work was often erotic yet defended as "artistic" due to its connection to classical themes. Day was an American photographer who created religious and mythological images featuring nude men, pushing the boundaries of acceptability. Plüschow, like Gloeden, photographed young men in Mediterranean settings, using classical themes to justify nudity. While not an erotic photographer, Muybridge’s motion studies of the nude male body were widely referenced for their anatomical and artistic value.

Alonzo Hanagan, "Lon of New York" 

A Model Prepares - Johnny Kemper, c. 1965

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, obscenity laws restricted explicit nude photography, particularly if it was seen as erotic rather than educational or artistic. The Comstock Laws in the U.S. (1873) made it illegal to distribute "obscene" material, which included certain forms of nude photography. Many photographers operated discreetly, producing private or underground collections for clients who sought male erotic imagery. In the 1930s, George Platt Lynes, an American fashion and commercial photographer, began taking nudes of friends, performers, and models, including a young Yul Brynner, although these remained private, unknown, and unpublished for years. The difference between "art" and "pornography" was often subjective, leaving photographers to defend their work based on artistic merit.

By the 1940s and 1950s, physique photography became a major outlet for male nudity. Photographers such as George Quaintance, Lon Hanagan (Lon of New York), and Bob Mizer (Athletic Model Guild) used images of muscular men in skimpy posing trunks or classical warrior outfits to suggest nudity without breaking obscenity laws. These images were marketed as "health and fitness" material but were clearly aimed at a gay audience.

Bob Mizer, Naked Young Man

The photographs taken survive in various archives. Lynes’s photographs featuring gay artists and writers from the 1940s that were acquired by the Kinsey Institute. Most of Gloeden’s surviving pictures (negatives and prints) are now in the Fratelli Alinari photographic archive in Florence and further prints are in private collections or held by public institutions such as the Civico Archivo Fotographico in Milan. Examples of Mizer's work are now held by esteemed educational and cultural institutions the world over, and can be found in various books, galleries, and private art collections.

The early history of male nude photography is a story of balancing art, censorship, and hidden desire. Photographers used classical references, athleticism, and coded eroticism to create images that were both sensual and legally defensible. While these early images were often constrained by societal norms, they laid the groundwork for more openly homoerotic and artistic expressions in later decades.

Alexander Jensen Yow Nude Sitting

George Platt Lynes, c. 1950

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Climbing

Climbing
By Amy Lowell

High up in the apple tree climbing I go,
With the sky above me, the earth below.
Each branch is the step of a wonderful stair
Which leads to the town I see shining up there.

Climbing, climbing, higher and higher,
The branches blow and I see a spire,
The gleam of a turret, the glint of a dome,
All sparkling and bright, like white sea foam.

On and on, from bough to bough,
The leaves are thick, but I push my way through;
Before, I have always had to stop,
But to-day I am sure I shall reach the top.

Today to the end of the marvelous stair,
Where those glittering pinacles flash in the air!
Climbing, climbing, higher I go,
With the sky close above me, the earth far below.


About the Poem

Amy Lowell’s poem “Climbing” is a short but evocative piece that explores the themes of perseverance, aspiration, and the struggle inherent in personal growth. The poem uses the extended metaphor of climbing a tree to symbolize the effort needed to overcome challenges and reach a goal. The poem emphasizes the difficulty of the climb, suggesting that progress is not easy but requires effort and resilience. The speaker’s journey upwards reflects an inner struggle, possibly one of ambition, self-improvement, or personal enlightenment.

Lowell often draws on nature in her poetry to reflect human emotions and experiences. The act of climbing could symbolize not just a physical effort but an emotional or intellectual journey. Despite the challenges, the act of climbing can also be rewarding. The higher one goes, the more perspective is gained, reinforcing the idea that struggle leads to greater understanding or achievement. Lowell, known for her imagist poetry, employs concise, vivid imagery to make the climb feel immediate and tangible. Her work often focuses on sensory details, so readers might feel the roughness of the terrain, the exertion of the journey, or the exhilaration of reaching higher ground.


About the Poet

Amy Lowell (1874–1925) was an influential American poet, critic, and promoter of the Imagist movement in early 20th-century poetry. Born into a wealthy and prominent Boston family, she had access to a strong education but was largely self-taught in poetry. Though she never attended college, she was well-read and deeply interested in literature.

Lowell became a major advocate for Imagism, a movement that emphasized clarity, precision, and economy of language in poetry. While Imagism was initially associated with poets like Ezra Pound and H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), Lowell became one of its most prominent figures after Pound distanced himself from the movement. She published multiple collections, including Sword Blades and Poppy Seed (1914), Men, Women, and Ghosts (1916), and Pictures of the Floating World (1919). Her poetry often used free verse, striking imagery, and themes of nature, love, and modern life.

Lowell was an outspoken and unconventional figure, known for her strong personality and advocacy for poetry. She was also in a committed relationship with actress Ada Dwyer Russell, and her poetry frequently contains themes of passionate love, often interpreted as inspired by their relationship. Her later years were dedicated to promoting poetry, both through her own work and through lectures and criticism. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry posthumously in 1926 for What’s O’Clock (1925). Despite being somewhat overshadowed by male contemporaries during her lifetime, Lowell’s work has gained renewed recognition, especially for her role in modernizing poetry and expanding the Imagist movement.

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Sleeping In 🤞

At least, I hope I’ll be sleeping in this morning. I have the day off work, and while I’m sure Isabella will wake me up to feed her, I’m hoping I can just go back to bed. I wrote this last night before I went to bed, so I wouldn’t have to wake up enough to write something for this morning. 

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Answering God’s Call

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"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

—Galatians 6:2

After hearing how Trump and Vance treated Zelinsky on Friday, I have been horrified, embarrassed, mortified, and depressed. No president ever in the history of the United States has decided to turn against democracy to buddy up with our greatest enemy. Seeing what went on was like witnessing a bully who wants your lunch money in exchange for making the other bullies leave you alone, except this was on an international scale. I could use a prison analogy too, but this is a Sunday post, and I don’t want to be crude. I knew they were hateful people, but what they did Friday was disgraceful. I do not see how anyone who supports this president can call themselves a Christian. It goes against every Christian principle in the Bible.

Living in a country that often prioritizes self-interest, God calls us to live differently. He commands us to love, serve, and give generously, rejecting greed and selfishness. One of the clearest ways we can live out our faith is by helping those in need—especially those suffering from war, displacement, and hardship. The people of Ukraine, enduring the devastation of conflict, offer us a powerful opportunity to put our faith into action. Scripture repeatedly teaches that our lives should not be driven by greed but by a heart of generosity. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If we focus only on accumulating wealth and possessions, we risk missing out on God’s eternal purposes. Instead, He calls us to invest in things that last—acts of love, justice, and mercy. One of the greatest ways to do this is by helping those who are suffering.

Jesus also made it very clear that loving others is central to our faith. In Mark 12:31, Jesus commanded us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The people of Ukraine have faced unimaginable hardship—families torn apart, homes destroyed, and lives upended by war. Many have fled to other countries as refugees, while others remain in dangerous conditions. As followers of Christ, we are called to respond with love. One of the most well-known parables in the Bible, the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37), illustrates this perfectly. A man was left beaten and helpless on the side of the road. Two religious leaders passed by without helping, but a Samaritan—a person from a group often despised by Jews—stopped, cared for the wounded man, and provided for his needs. Jesus tells us to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). Are we willing to be like the Good Samaritan? Will we stop, see the pain of the Ukrainian people, and respond with action? I know that I am likely preaching to the choir, but if there are those who are Trump supporters that read this blog, I hope you will take this to heart. We may not be able to do much until the midterm elections, but we can resist as much as possible.

One of the biggest barriers to helping others is greed—clinging to what we have out of fear or selfishness. This is seen all to clearly in the executive branch of the United States federal government. But the Bible warns against this mindset in Proverbs 21:13, “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.” Instead of hoarding wealth, God calls us to be generous. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18, Paul reminds us, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” We may not all consider ourselves rich, but compared to those who have lost everything, we have much to give. Whether through financial support, prayer, advocacy, or welcoming refugees, we can use what God has given us to bless others. James 5:6 tells us that we should, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” We should pray for peace, for those affected by war, and for leaders to seek justice and wisdom. Proverbs 19-17 tells us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” We can support humanitarian organizations providing food, medical aid, and shelter. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. If you live in a community with Ukrainian refugees, offer friendship, support, or resources. Finally, Isaiah 1:17 tells us to “Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” We must speak out against injustice and support policies that help those affected by war

In James 2:15-17, James reminds us that faith without works is dead, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Let us not be passive in the face of suffering. Instead, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing love to those in desperate need. By helping the Ukrainian people—or anyone in crisis—we reflect God’s love and live out the Gospel. May we answer God’s call with open hearts, rejecting greed and embracing a life of generosity.

How is God calling you to help today?



*The Photograph Above

The photographer Liam Campbell is the editor of Elska Magazine, a project centered on traveling around the world, meeting a selection of everyday local guys, and introducing their city and their lives to readers through honest photography and personal stories. The ‘Elska Lviv’ issue of Elska Magazine was dedicated to the men of Ukraine. The model above was named Marko, and Campbell had this to say about him:

Marko was one of the men we photographed toward the beginning of the war. While editing, I became a bit uneasy about the impression we would leave. Would people see Marko standing amongst the detritus of destroyed buildings and feel like we were somehow glamorizing the war? Perhaps some would, but the reality is that we shot these scenes on the site of a former Soviet industrial complex.

In this context, there was a clear message that the Soviet Union was well and truly over. There Marko was walking proudly over the rubble, asserting a new Ukrainian future. This is a message I absolutely had to share, but at the same time, I can’t help but feel immense sadness when I imagine how much of Ukraine now lies in ruins, at the hands of a campaign to bring back Soviet-style ‘glory’ and [Russian] supremacy.

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Moment of Zen: Dean Tsiranides (AKA Tyler Otto)

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TGIWFH

Thank goodness, it’s a work from home Friday. I can relax and not be bothered. I have to do some online training today, and I’ll probably grade some midterms. Other than that, it should be an easy day. This week has either been incredibly busy or incredibly boring. There hasn’t been much in between. I have a four day weekend at home since we are off Monday for Spring Break.

If you are in the USA, you might have heard about the organization People’s Union USA calling for a nationwide boycott. They want today to be an economic blackout. This movement follows the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at several major companies, including Target, PepsiCo and others. (Coca-Cola and Apple have both refused to rollback DEI initiatives.) The boycott coincides with protests against President Dumbass's plans to reduce the government workforce and mass firings at federal agencies. The boycott began at midnight last night and will last for 24 hours. During this time, the organization encourages Americans not to buy anything — this includes gas, fast food, or shopping in-store or online at major retailers. If participants need to buy anything, they are encouraged to shop at local and small businesses. Essential items such as medicine, food and emergency supplies can still be bought.

I hope you’ll join in. The thing about boycotts is that if enough people don’t participate, then it won’t be successful. There had to enough of an economic impact to make a difference and to make the point your trying to make. So, please consider following this boycott and only buy locally today.

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Inspirational Quote

“We deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise.” — Elliot Page

Love is one of the most fundamental human experiences, yet for too long, LGBTQ+ individuals have been told that their love is something to be hidden, altered, or diminished. Elliot Page’s words remind us that love should be free from fear and compromise. No one should have to justify their identity or fight for the right to love openly and authentically.

This quote speaks to the importance of equality—not just in legal rights, but in the way love is valued and respected in society. It’s a call to reject shame and embrace pride, to push back against narratives that suggest LGBTQ+ love is anything less than beautiful and valid. Whether in relationships, friendships, or self-love, everyone deserves to experience love without barriers. Today, let this quote serve as a reminder to support, uplift, and celebrate each other in our journeys toward full acceptance and joy.

Since it’s Thursday, here’s your Isabella Pic of the Week:

This is about as close as I get to her cuddling. She’s not a cuddly cat, and she also seems to not like her picture being taken.

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