Safe Sex Vs. Sex Without Love

        In Donald Hall's poem, "Safe Sex," Hall never explicitly encourages the reader to have sex. However, through metaphoric expressions, Hall is able to state a belief that “emotionless sex” is acceptable and necessary. Throughout “Safe sex” the author is indirectly persuading the mind of the reader. He starts by indirectly stating how people should have “emotionless sex.” Later in his poem he counteracts his pervious statement by indirectly hinting to how embarrassing sex without love is by stating how it is a “permanent humiliation.” Although Hall’s is not directly speaking out against “one night stands,” towards the end of his poem he is indirectly speaking out against them. When paralleled to Sharon Olds' "Sex without Love,” one can see the direct emphasis on “emotionless sex”.  She clearly states that each party knows that “they know they are alone.” Thus, there is no emotional tie and having sex will hurt neither the man nor the woman. Olds’ clearly believes throughout her poem that “emotionless sex” is “safer” and better because no body gets hurt.