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+ 9TH POEMS: To The Director, James Whale
I thank you for your greatest work, James Whale:
that is, the movie, Bride Of Frankenstein
in nineteen thirty-five: a little queer,
that film---it first spoke to me when I was very near
five and a half, in January, nineteen sixty-four;
not yet aware of all the mean, malign
old prudes and homophobes who thought that fear
of those who they deemed "different" should prevail.
I love that film: it generously depicts
sacred images of a Crucifix
and of a local roadside Calvary,
Christ Whom I already thought to adore,
though I did not yet know of the Holy Rosary.
Starward-Led
Yes, I’m still alive. Half
Yes, I’m still alive. Half insane, but still here. Forgive me for neglecting your stirring chronicles of spiritual expansion, and I am referring to all your poignant, significant collections.
Here I find myself at the sunrise of your profound connection with the Divine. So inspiring, the many ways God called to you throughout the years and the many ways you heard Him clearly.
It was as if a cosmic spotlight illuminated this classic film just for you and set you on a path of self awareness, unquenchable curiosity and, finally, all encompassing love in both its sublime and human form.
Another sacred signpost on your journey, expressed with engaging sincerity.
Thank you for commenting, and
Thank you for commenting, and please forgive my failure to inquire, more often, how you are doing.
Whale's great film, and all the "Easter Eggs" he hid within it, taught me (though I did not know it at first) how to be "different" in the homophobic society that surrounded me, and how to accept my nature as it was given me. That partial viewing on that Friday night in January, 1964, was the first time I witnessed Karloff's great acting skill. Five years and a month later, Karloff's death in London caused me to weep openly in fifth grade home room, which was the beginning of being called "Fairy Jerry." And, most importantly, it was a reiteration (several times over) the significance of the Crucifix which, to me, was the centerpiece of my Aunt and Uncle's small home in Gratis, Ohio. And yes, the Crucifix did show me the supreme expression of Love given me by the StarMaker Himself.
Starward-Led [in Chrismation, Januarius]