Sex, Lies, and the Jurist
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. after retiring
from the Supreme Court at age 91 at a
high school question and answer session…
Warrior, scholar, jurist
Man of letters and distinction
Oldest member of our Supreme Court—
Witty, courageous, and strong
A long life, a worthy life
Deliberative, imaginative, unafraid
Of doing wrong.
Accosted that day
In a most youthful way
By a lad of 16 or so –
At a gathering of peers
And amid many cheers
Said that he needed to know:
“At what age Mr. Justice
Does a man lose his sex drive?”
Laughter ensued and permeated
The brood especially among
The young boys.
The girls sat in silent derision.
With a nod and a smile
Holmes pondered a while
Before rendering his
Thoughtful decision.
Then out of repose
Homes abruptly arose
And looked the lad
Straight in the eye.
With a wave of his hand
In a style oh so grand
Announced his pondering so—
“How should I know
For can’t you see
I’m as virile as virile
Can be? Your answer
Must come from someone—
Anyone—a hell of a
Lot older than me!”
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In its simplicity, the flow of the story and its level
of "human-ness", or "man-lines" would be better and more
expressive.
And it is truly funny...that those kids...got this guy
at the edge of his comfort zone......but he find a way
to be highly comfortable there...there are things we take
for granted...and only some relentless curiosity of others
make us think...resent.........How would we ever know what
we are...capable of until...unless..........Yet...it isn't
advisable to push ourselves toooooo far...or tooooooooooo
ooooooooo...................hard.......
With warm regards Isabella.
Ron
PS. Please let me live long enough to be that old guy.