"Gay"

Detailing an interaction with one of my students that left me disheartened

I was a bit taken aback
When I saw the fire of hell in his eyes
After I told him point blank
I was the one he meant when he said "f*g"

Of course I don't blame him
I know those thoughts were put there by someone older and far less wise
They were injected into mine back then too

The cognitive dissonance was so striking

I've cared for him for months
We'd built so much trust
But he said, "I'm glad I'm a boy"
Because he's been told gay means they like them young

He doesn't know, the ones who told him that were projecting
And he is far safer with me than those who say he is the one they're "protecting"

He stomped in confusion
When he left the room
He reluctantly shook the germs off the pencil I handed him for diffusion

But we talked it through

"I think I need more time"
And I'm not surprised

It must be hard to speak to the one
He's been told to despise
When all he's ever done with me
is rise

To the occasion
His IQ
Above and beyond

I hope that our bond
Will help him rise
Far above the lies that he's been told to hold onto

Author's Note

Have you witnessed homophobia? How did you handle it?

Reviews

[Mars August]

I'm queer. Most of my friends are queer. I have a mouth on me, so I am sad to say I don't know how patient and gracious I would be. Certainly, not as kind as you. I do feel bad for the kid though. But the good thing is that we don't have to be the things we were taught to be. I hope he takes it to heart and realizes humanity is inherent in everyone despite the differences.