Passionate Hearts: The Poetry of Sexual Love

by Wendy Maltz (Editor), Molly Peacock (Preface), Barry W. McCarthy (Foreword)

Compiled by renowned sex therapist and author Wendy Maltz, Passionate Hearts is a remarkable anthology of intimate, emotionally explicit, yet accessible poetry, representing new voices as well as the most revered contemporary poets. Culled from classic works of poetry, unpublished work solicited especially for the book, and poetry and erotica journals, these poems celebrate sexual connection and expression. Contributors include Sharon Olds, Gary Soto, E. E. cummings, Marge Piercy, Raymond Carver, Galway Kinnell, Pablo Neruda, and Tess Gallagher.

Genres: Poetry, Sexuality, Anthologies

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Wendy Maltz LCSW, DST is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and sex therapist. Her books include The Porn Trap, The Sexual Healing Journey, Private Thoughts, Passionate Hearts, Intimate Kisses, and Incest & Sexuality. Wendy’s highly acclaimed videos are Relearning Touch and Partners in Healing. In 2014 she received the prestigious Carnes Award from the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health. Wendy and Larry Maltz LCSW, an esteemed therapist with more than 30 years of experience, provide consultation and counseling services at Maltz Counseling Associates in Eugene, Oregon.

Reviews

[Mintkittytea]

I am an open-minded adult woman. I was very troubled by this book, not by it's content, but by it's extremely narrow view of a "healthy sexual relationship". The sex therapist who compiled the anthology, describes a healthy sexual relationship as one that spans a lifetime, between a man and a woman, who are complete equals in all aspects. It involves all the stages of life - courtship, marriage, passion, life, and old age.
As I read through, first her introduction, (which made me feel quite sad), and then through the poems; I was offended, but confused.
In the introduction, she states that looking through love poetry of the past - as all sexist, and she gave some extreme examples. But, I believe there is a solid place for the idea of romance in a healthy sexual relationship, for both partners, and it can be quite healing. It does not need to be sexist, or condemned as such. For partners to escape the practicality, banality, and responsibilities of our everyday world, to step into romantic roles for a while, can be rejuvenating and a bonding experience. Healing escapism.

The real problem for me was the omission of content - what did not meet the requirements of this anthology as demonstrating/describing a healthy sexual relationship.
The most minor differences in lives and loves were not represented. Divorce, loss, consecutive relationships, etc. And then multiculturalism, age difference, sexual orientation, etc. Even illness.
I found quite a few poems very interesting and lovely in the first two chapters. But, on a personal level, I had problems continuing, feeling that I, myself, and my relationship, was outside the margin of a "healthy sexual relationship" as deemed by a "renowned sex therapist" and by the 'reputation' of the book.
I think that squeezing the idea of a "healthy sexual relationship" into such a tight definition, and holding it up as a 'definition', is detrimental to us all. It's exclusive.
Love is beautiful, and to find it, amazing. A healthy sexual relationship is a wonderful and natural way to express and show love. It is not limited to such an exclusive spectrum. This book should not claim to be the healthy definition of a sexual relationship, but, merely a definition, and a limited one. I've found that omission, or exclusion, can be just as offensive as discrimination.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought tears to my eyes múltiple times...this anthology focuses on actually making love in a committed long-term relationship. Not to say there are not explicit poems that might make some blush. But this book is about so much more than the physical act...and so far I haven't found one like it. Well done.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful, delightful, well-earmarked friend of a book. 5 stars

[HJK44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found some of the poems to be quite beautiful and provocative. Very nice compendium overall!

[Constancia]

This is NOT a shitty, cheesy book of poetry.

[Cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. This poetry captures all the emotions of Love, hate, sex, sin and pleasure.