'Priapus and Thanatos' at The Hole

Ever since the spectacular opening of Kembra Pfahler and E.V. Day's Giverny several weeks ago, The Hole has been blossoming. It has become a haven of aromatic flowers and soft turf, a pastoral refuge for any city-dweller willing to suspend disbelief. This past Friday, the garden's resident art nymph, May Anderson, presented "Priapus and Thanatos," an evening of poetry celebrating Mother Nature's favorite pastimes: sex and death.

As the fluorescent daylight dimmed over an expectant congregation, lilies glimmered on the pond and butterflies flitted through the perfumed air. Master of ceremonies Stefan Bondell ushered each poet onto the spotlit bridge that served as a stage. Despite the universal themes, no two performances were alike. Bob Holman's staccato stream of sub-conscious desires couldn't have been more different from Arden Wohl's yearning "Sex With a Gay Man." Kembra read a sad and soulful verse before launching into the rowdy and hilarious "Fuck Island." My personal favorites of the night were Lisa Pomares, who read a poem that was so sexy she had to take off her towering heels to avoid losing her balance, and Stewart Lupton, whose poem described a young boy's erotic "First Centaur Sighting." Stefan wrapped up with the night's most political and incisive poem, which analyzed the political ramifications of the American "pull out" technique. Even if none of the poems left you hot and bothered, it was enough to engage in the fantasy of the moment and revel in the mysteries of art and nature.

THE HOLE
312 Bowery
New York, NY
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