He was pretty controversial, but the students see through it when we bring it up. Homosexuality is part of (our) times, unlike when (Whitman) was writing.

The students write songs of themselves. First they draw paintings about what they feel and see to get to the heart of the poem. It's not an easy poem but they come away liking the poem.

It's pretty one-sided because it would shut down any discussion from individuals who think that homosexuality is not a good thing. Not everyone thinks that homosexuality is mainstream.

It's not a support group for writers.

This guy looks pretty gay to me. I'm willing to believe they didn't intend it to be a gay man, but I don't believe they're shocked someone would draw that conclusion.

We'll be on our toes. Usually if there's more to it that involves our students, we'll know it pretty quickly.