Disclaimer: I decided to get a little real since we're all adults and this is a pretty real poem.
Reading Olds' poem I was struck by the very end of the poem. The runner and the many factors in the running experience that must meet and interact but never become one served as an amazing closing image. But the thing I immediately cued in on was "the truth...the / single body alone in the universe / against its own best time." This forced me to review how I myself deal with sexual relations--am I just practicing sitting alone in the universe when I'm with my own lovers? It was easy to answer, in large part because I think of this often. I find that I, like some other young men I've met can honestly say that I don't pursue sex without a deep emotional attachment. That's not to say that I don't enjoy sex with someone I'm not in a relationship with, it just soothes a different ache. And in fact, it doesn't do the best job of that without the love. I think Olds would agree with me in that the ideal sex involves love.
My position is that sex without love is enjoyable, but the two together make it a magical experience. I've experienced both and I just think they have their separate places in our lives but neither is inherently bad. I'd rather have the love but the sex might do in the meantime. I don't think this makes me opportunistic or a player, especially if both actors know the reality of the situation. Now, here's where I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts. Not to make this a heated debate, but I wonder what other people think about sex and love. Also, do any of you think Olds would feel this way too?
