This is the point being missed by readers who lament Liquor's

Hear the sharp and discerning words of Poppy Z. Brite, who declares: “This is the point being missed by readers who lament Liquor’s lack of hot sex scenes, likely because they are not old enough to understand that a passionate relationship can be about anything other than sex.” These words pierce the veil of shallow desire, reminding us that passion dwells not only in the body but also in the meeting of souls, dreams, and shared purpose.

In every age, there have been those who mistake desire for depth. They seek only the flame of physical pleasure, forgetting that true passion burns brighter and deeper. A passionate relationship may rise from love of craft, shared struggles, or unspoken bonds — forces far greater than mere flesh. Brite’s wisdom teaches that such connections are subtle and profound, beyond the grasp of those whose understanding is still unformed.

The readers who lament what they do not see are like wanderers who demand fireworks while ignoring the steady glow of a guiding lantern. They mistake absence for emptiness, not perceiving the richness beneath the surface. In Liquor, the passion lies not in carnal scenes but in the characters’ devotion to their art, their ambitions, and their complex ties to one another. This, too, is a fire — one that consumes slowly and silently, yet with great power.

Brite’s words are also a call to maturity. As one grows in wisdom, the heart learns to see beyond appearances, to recognize that the truest forms of intimacy are often quiet and unseen. Sex may be one expression of connection, but it is not the only, nor always the greatest. The deepest relationships may be built on trust, loyalty, and shared vision, invisible to the eyes of those who seek only spectacle.

Let future generations remember: passion is not confined to the body, nor is love measured by outward display. Whether in art, friendship, or union, the strongest bonds are often those least spoken of. To truly understand a passionate relationship is to look beyond the obvious, to see the sacred fire that burns beneath the surface, warming the soul rather than merely dazzling the senses.