Boy for sale!
Boy prostitution Victorian England to present.26 total reviews
Comment from barkingdog
Adult prostitutes have made their choice.
Children sold as sex-slaves or put upon by a relative, family 'friend', teacher, or priest did not have a choice. They were and are victims. Was unforgivable. Still is.
Another well written look at society's dark side.
:) e
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Adult prostitutes have made their choice.
Children sold as sex-slaves or put upon by a relative, family 'friend', teacher, or priest did not have a choice. They were and are victims. Was unforgivable. Still is.
Another well written look at society's dark side.
:) e
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Absolutely.The saddest and most heart breaking things in the world are child and animal abuse.Sadly,even today, some children have no choice....it's utterly soul destroying to think of.Thankyou for your kind review.
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Like animals, to some, children have no rights. They are their parents' property. It's no wonder so many run away from an abusive home.
Comment from Wabigoon
Meia
This is a poem of prodigious ambition. I am not quite sure your fulfillment of your intention is...quite up to it, which is not to say, it is not better than 95% of the poems on this site. You mention poets you admire and I found myself wondering how Plath would have written this poem -- the ferocity of her...lashing out at men and other abusing children. I duck as the sword of her red hot rage swishes through the air. Thomas, I don't know, I mean I don't know how he would have treated this subject matter. I think you could have used a more "modern," ferocious voice in the poem -- about as tough and steel like as possible. I think the poem could have been XXX rated, meaning you could have depicted some of the "acts" committed upon...kids in a way that would make Hughes, Plath, so many other proud, shiver. I commend you as strongly as possible for your choice of subject matter and the intensity it must have taken to work through this material...without puking. I will look for more of your work. For "Heaven's sake" don't apologize for the seriousness of this, it is refreshing beyond compare. I may fan you.
This is the only thing that caught my attention:
Not to acknowledge their spouses() peccadilloes. apostrophe and I read "predilections" there, not peccadilloes -- my taste.
Thanks
Wabigoon/Jeff
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Meia
This is a poem of prodigious ambition. I am not quite sure your fulfillment of your intention is...quite up to it, which is not to say, it is not better than 95% of the poems on this site. You mention poets you admire and I found myself wondering how Plath would have written this poem -- the ferocity of her...lashing out at men and other abusing children. I duck as the sword of her red hot rage swishes through the air. Thomas, I don't know, I mean I don't know how he would have treated this subject matter. I think you could have used a more "modern," ferocious voice in the poem -- about as tough and steel like as possible. I think the poem could have been XXX rated, meaning you could have depicted some of the "acts" committed upon...kids in a way that would make Hughes, Plath, so many other proud, shiver. I commend you as strongly as possible for your choice of subject matter and the intensity it must have taken to work through this material...without puking. I will look for more of your work. For "Heaven's sake" don't apologize for the seriousness of this, it is refreshing beyond compare. I may fan you.
This is the only thing that caught my attention:
Not to acknowledge their spouses() peccadilloes. apostrophe and I read "predilections" there, not peccadilloes -- my taste.
Thanks
Wabigoon/Jeff
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Thankyou so much for your kind review.I will take into account all your points, however, many of my other poems are in a completely different poetic 'voice'; if you choose to fan me you may see a 'Plath-esque' poem, as I have written many, but like to experiment with styles.Thanks again.
Comment from Apostle Janos
Really dark for me, seems unrealistic as well but I assume you have researched it. Still I struggle with the idea that this was even possible then. The subject matter didn't permit me to enjoy this reading, I'm not sure if that's all that troubled me. There may be ways to improve flow and meter but I don't want to give it any less than 6 stars due to that.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Really dark for me, seems unrealistic as well but I assume you have researched it. Still I struggle with the idea that this was even possible then. The subject matter didn't permit me to enjoy this reading, I'm not sure if that's all that troubled me. There may be ways to improve flow and meter but I don't want to give it any less than 6 stars due to that.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Thankyou so much for your honest review.I have thoroughly researched the subject, I assure you, particularly Sins of The Plains by Jack Saul, a young 'Mary-Anne'working at that time,gives a very complete and frank account.Many of my poems are very dark, usually with a dash of humour.I took the trouble of checking out how many child prostitutes were working at this particular time and the amount of children, both male and female, either forced into it or orphans or abandoned children, was staggering.This made me very sad. Thank-you for understanding that while the subject is a hard one, it is a valid one, and also although the rhyming scheme is not perfect,it is the best version I have managed, thankyou so much again for your review!
Comment from nancyrabbrose
Definitely your poem deserves 6 stars; it is a work of art. And heavy on the word "work". The story line, the rhyming reads smoothly, although the story is sad and grim. Thank you for bringing this poem to our attention. It is a metaphor for much of the struggle of human beings, of the falsehood and denial that the "predators" exhibit. Good for you, well done.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Definitely your poem deserves 6 stars; it is a work of art. And heavy on the word "work". The story line, the rhyming reads smoothly, although the story is sad and grim. Thank you for bringing this poem to our attention. It is a metaphor for much of the struggle of human beings, of the falsehood and denial that the "predators" exhibit. Good for you, well done.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Thankyou for your exceptionally kind review Nancy , it really means a lot to me, life for those kids was grim.xx
Comment from Pantygynt
Welcome to the site. I don't think I have come cross your work before. This is in free verse style but probably with too much rhyme to be classed as free verse, free form perhaps. The rhymes are often ingenious and the whole poem is pretty hard hitting. John Masters in a book about India quotes an old Indian poem that apparently began, "There's a boy across the river with a bottom like a peach..."
I just wonder if it isn't a shade too long and might benefit from careful editing. Shorter is definitely sweeter on this site particularly as you will find from the large number of shortform poems posted.
"It amazing how much you can buy for ten shillings!"
Perhaps this is in need of an update:
'twas amazing how much you could buy for ten shillings!
after all, even the shillings are historic.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Welcome to the site. I don't think I have come cross your work before. This is in free verse style but probably with too much rhyme to be classed as free verse, free form perhaps. The rhymes are often ingenious and the whole poem is pretty hard hitting. John Masters in a book about India quotes an old Indian poem that apparently began, "There's a boy across the river with a bottom like a peach..."
I just wonder if it isn't a shade too long and might benefit from careful editing. Shorter is definitely sweeter on this site particularly as you will find from the large number of shortform poems posted.
"It amazing how much you can buy for ten shillings!"
Perhaps this is in need of an update:
'twas amazing how much you could buy for ten shillings!
after all, even the shillings are historic.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Thankyou for your review.I really cannot understand how such abuse goes on, especially to children, it was 'acceptable' at that point in time, for girls and boys to 'work' from ages 6-8....yes, horrifying as it is, children were sold like so much useless rubbish and many died before the age of 25....if not well before because of sexual diseases....tragic.thanks again for reading and reviewing,I do realise most prefer shorter poems but I just write what comes out naturally and I stop when I feel the poem has reached its natural conclusion.kind regards xmeia
Comment from nomi338
The abuse of children, used as sex toys is an abominable act committed at any time in man's history and that it is still going on does not speak well of our progress as a species. Satan the devil knows our weakness all to well and he willingly provides us with a fresh supply of the poison that will ultimately bring about our destruction and demise.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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The abuse of children, used as sex toys is an abominable act committed at any time in man's history and that it is still going on does not speak well of our progress as a species. Satan the devil knows our weakness all to well and he willingly provides us with a fresh supply of the poison that will ultimately bring about our destruction and demise.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Thankyou for your review.I really cannot understand how such abuse goes on, especially to children, it was 'acceptable' at that point in time, for girls and boys to 'work' from ages 6-8....yes, horrifying as it is, children were sold like so much useless rubbish and many died before the age of 25....if not well before because of sexual diseases....tragic.thanks again for reading and reviewing xmeia
Comment from Jackarrie
Hi Meia
I really found your lengthy poem a brilliant write. It speaks the truth of a sordid situation. I still cannot get my head around the fact that so-called normal men do this to young children. It is still going on and I feel maybe even worse because of the trafficking of young boys and girls. The poem is written well and does give the feel of the past.
Well done I rate it a six for excellence. Mary
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Hi Meia
I really found your lengthy poem a brilliant write. It speaks the truth of a sordid situation. I still cannot get my head around the fact that so-called normal men do this to young children. It is still going on and I feel maybe even worse because of the trafficking of young boys and girls. The poem is written well and does give the feel of the past.
Well done I rate it a six for excellence. Mary
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Wow, thankyou so much!I am over the moon with your review it really makes my day to get a 6 :) kindest regards Meia xx
Comment from DR DIP
Wow what an insightful disturbing but very well written poem You must have done a thorough research of this male prostitution Were there ever gigolo's as well
Thanks for sharing such an eye opening poem
dip
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Wow what an insightful disturbing but very well written poem You must have done a thorough research of this male prostitution Were there ever gigolo's as well
Thanks for sharing such an eye opening poem
dip
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Yes, I have researched this topic exceptionally thoroughly, Jack Saul wrote a great book called Sin of the Plains, the story of Fanny and Stella which is a poem I will be posting today, explains the function of 'Maryanne's' in Victorian society...Gigolos were available to women of very high status, but normally received expensive gifts rather than monies paid.thanks so much for your valuable review.x
Comment from Dean Kuch
A fine way to make a living?!? I would hardly think so, and it's amazing to me that any of them would think that it was.
The rhyming in this epic piece (no puns intended) on male youth prostitution was deceptively subtle and dispersed throughout.
It's horrible to think that grown men would engage in these sorts of activities with boys. And much as today's call girls and hookers are quite often kept as little more than prisoners, slaves to depraved knaves, it's my guess that these poor misguided youth felt much the same way, and quite often.
Excellent poem, Meia.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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A fine way to make a living?!? I would hardly think so, and it's amazing to me that any of them would think that it was.
The rhyming in this epic piece (no puns intended) on male youth prostitution was deceptively subtle and dispersed throughout.
It's horrible to think that grown men would engage in these sorts of activities with boys. And much as today's call girls and hookers are quite often kept as little more than prisoners, slaves to depraved knaves, it's my guess that these poor misguided youth felt much the same way, and quite often.
Excellent poem, Meia.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Certainly I don't think it was a fine way to make a living Dean, its sadly how it was back then though.Boys as young as 6 -8 tragically became sex workers and I am trying to say it was one horrible life exchanged for another :( Thanks so much for your excellent review xx
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No, you misunderstood me. You stated in your author's notes, and I quote:
"Many of these boys (Aged 8 to 20 approx.)saw this as a fine way to make a living especially if they worked indoors..."
It's not your opinion I was referencing but theirs.
You're welcome.
Happy New Year.
~Dean
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Ah I see!Thanks Dean Happy New year!
Comment from Sis Cat
An important poem about a difficult subject. This well-researched poem dramatizes boy prostitution in Victorian England. Your verse conveys punters' desire for such flesh, the boys' reasons for offering their bodies, and the consequences to them during their short-lived career. When I saw the film Lion about lost street Indian street children victimized today I thought, "This must have been what it was like in Victorian England." As you point out, this story continues today. We don't have to look to Victorian England or modern India.
In terms of verse, I found the unnecessary capitalization of words like gin and cow distracting from your message. You often don't leave spaces after commas, for example "times,it still." Other places you add commas where they are not needed, for example, "And this story today, is still a grim,dark reality." You can strengthen this as "And this story continues today a grim, dark reality."
Add possessive, "It's amazing how much . . ."
Omit brackets and second exclamation point with, "And probably called himself Mary or Flo!
You wrote a poem about an important subject but your verse require more grammatical polish to shine.
Thank you for sharing and caring about an important subject people do not want to think about.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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An important poem about a difficult subject. This well-researched poem dramatizes boy prostitution in Victorian England. Your verse conveys punters' desire for such flesh, the boys' reasons for offering their bodies, and the consequences to them during their short-lived career. When I saw the film Lion about lost street Indian street children victimized today I thought, "This must have been what it was like in Victorian England." As you point out, this story continues today. We don't have to look to Victorian England or modern India.
In terms of verse, I found the unnecessary capitalization of words like gin and cow distracting from your message. You often don't leave spaces after commas, for example "times,it still." Other places you add commas where they are not needed, for example, "And this story today, is still a grim,dark reality." You can strengthen this as "And this story continues today a grim, dark reality."
Add possessive, "It's amazing how much . . ."
Omit brackets and second exclamation point with, "And probably called himself Mary or Flo!
You wrote a poem about an important subject but your verse require more grammatical polish to shine.
Thank you for sharing and caring about an important subject people do not want to think about.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2017
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Thankyou so much for your valuable review x much appreciated tips!meia :)