meandpaul

Growing up when I was younger, I was raised in a very homophobic, transphobic family. I was taught that being anywhere on the LGBTQ spectrum was evil and would send you to hell.

Sometimes we stay outside

on your front steps.

It’s peaceful there.

There are no cars  

or stomping feet.

There are no dishes 

i would like to write a psalm made of salt dedicated to whomever Lot’s Wife really was.

for people cannot be made of perfection

and people cannot be made to never hold grudges. what if

a lesbian couple on my bus home from school 

a man in a punk battle jacket on the street 

my mother's female CEO group chat blowing up 

four of my teachers taking the following day off 

winter's coming on fast — 
better chop enough wood. 

pluck the last fruits of the harvest — 
then say goodnight to the garden, 
resting under a blanket of leaves and love. 

When best friends of old

become polite passersby

still give them a smile and let your heart be full

for theirs are broken too

and need to be reminded to mend.