Today I was guest poet/speaker at Prof. D.K.’s Human Sexuality class at Sonoma State. I was invited (this was my second appearance) to add an artistic element to their clinical and psychological studies. The response to my erotica was enthusiastic and mature. In glancing around at the 60 or so faces, I found several of both genders who were genuinely “with me” as I read my work. They all laughed in the right places and asked good questions. I even had the opportunity to comment on whether a person should “spit or swallow.”

I was able to call upon my experience working at Face to Face to give the HIV educator perspective (thanks to Nick and Gopa!) that says swallowing is better because the HIV virus doesn’t survive human digestion very well. The less time ejaculate stays in the mouth, where it might come in contact with broken skin (from brushing, flossing, injuries from braces) the better. Consider how many seconds it takes one to find a place to spit…

My teacher-friend was kind enough to put on the chalkboard the URL for a website where one of my stories is featured through the month of April (www.sextoytales.com). Readers may vote for their favorite of the 4 posted stories. I get a cash reward if enough folks like my “Toy Story” best. This isn’t as dire as a presidential election, but, I hope, it will be a vote you’ll have fun casting.

I’m thankful for open-minded and creative teachers, and I’m thankful for those curious and outspoken college students. To them and to you, I say, “Thanks for supporting my poetic licentiousness.”