A Poem for the Closeted
In the shadows many hide
With no man or woman to confide
They walk among us every day
With many thoughts they may never say
Alone yet surrounded
A bird that is grounded
Rights and freedoms, they ‘just’ came
A raise of hands—aren’t we all the same?
A daily costume constantly worn
Does little for those forlorn
For these the TRUTH does not set them free
It’s more a magnifying glass for all to see
The comments, actions, and betrayals
Images, assumptions, poor portrayals
Some proclaim, “It is a choice!”
But remember, these many still have no voice
And why would they go and choose it!?
When many who ‘care’ would surely lose it.
Judgments, misunderstandings, and some loss
Is it right? No matter the cost?
They fight a battle, many alone
Years of oppression—who condones?
So rise up, or stay hidden.
Your love is forbidden
And in the darkness may
You nay forever stay
Those tears are felt
No judgement dealt
You’re important and beautiful
I know that sounds ‘dutiful’
Find peace, find hope, find the answer
Listen up—this isn’t cancer
It’s a journey, so travel it
A challenge, so overcome it
I know what it’s like to be tossed to and fro
To feel like you’ll never have the chance to grow
To feel broken, bound, and soul-torn
Someday, others will surely mourn
Helpless hapless, hopeless, happy-less!, and lost
Trust me, it’s happening at enormous cost
And truth be told
I’m not that bold…
But It’s a goal of mine
To make the needed time
To push back, to speak up,
To stand tall, to never give up
But for now, in the shadows I lie
A sincere and lonely guy
Pretending, existing … crying
Every day a little more dying
But with every ounce of might,
I’ll shed the dark & seek the light.
And I’ll confidently, quietly, courageously say
That for me—“it’s OK. It’s OK to be gay.”