A well constructed poem. "Some" might say it would read better separated into four two-line stanzas, but then you would need a taller tombstone, and then it would appear more phalic; which, on reflection, would be kind of appropriate. I would also say that Freddy's manhood (in the way I think you mean) was wasted, latex or no latex. I don't get the inhibitions bit. He was gay, got aids (maybe because he didn't use condoms), then died. I get the feeling I'm reading this and missing the point.

Thanks for the comment. I wrote the poem about 2 years ago. Having memory problems, I can't remember exactly what triggered the subject. I remember watching a movie about aids and gay people. I always have this feeling that the entire world is not being honest with itself and these inhibitions will eventually be its ruin. Freddie was not the issue here. He came to mind when I thought about gay people. I loved him dearly and he was so stupid to have exposed himself to aids. A great loss. About separating into verses - the abstract poems are usually made of 8 lines in one block, although the rules are not too strict. Hanna

Abstract poetry - as I understand it - is the juxtaposition of loosely connected verbal concepts, where the overall meaning is generated by the interplay of the phrases rather than being imposed by the poet from outside. This must mean that any separation into stanzas cannot work, although 'orphaned' words/phrases/images can enhance this form. Any published 'rules' for number of lines are artificial, and simply someone's opinion - to be ignored if you wish. I got a lot from this poem: I think it is very clear that Freddie was more 'acted upon' than active in the context of the piece. Good stuff indeed. Mike