Light 'n' Happy Crushes

I've got a serious post running around in my brain, but I'm not ready to lasso it yet. Instead, can we play for a minute? I was just over at ms. reverend or not's blog, and she was talking about Billy Collins. Whom I think is darling. Which made me think of David Baker and Stanley Plumly, other middle-aged poets whom I have (completely age-inappropriate) crushes on. Also makes me think about how my favorite girlfriend and I were discussing crushes on fictional characters (raise your hand if you have one on Owen Meany).

And crushes are important. It's good for us to have people in our lives who make us giggle a little, who contribute to our feeling good about ourselves. People are fascinating, complex, beautiful creatures, and enjoying them is a precious skill. Good crushes aren't quite sexual in nature, though they may remind us that we are sensual beings. They're not gender-specific, either. Flirting with people not in line with your sexual orientation can be a light, affirming, caring interaction.

So, out with it: any fun crushes?

Loafe with me on the grass, loose the stop from your throat, Not words, not
music or rhyme I want, not custom or lecture, not even the best, Only the
lull I like, the hum of your valved voice.

-Walt Whitman, Song of Myself (on whom I have yet another crush)

Caveat for those who are concerned: Mr. M is always my favorite crush. The better things are with him, the more likely I am to flirt. He's always my priority.