Fear

I am afraid,
Afraid to admit my feelings for you.
Afraid to admit it to you.
To myself,
To my family,
To the world.
Because that would mean,
my most vulnerable secret,
would be out in the world for people to see.
To judge,
To use me as an example for their children,
To say horrible things to me.
About me.
About my people.
My people who are still fighting to be seen as equals.
And while the ones in my life who matter most know,
The prospect of having everyone know is horrifying.
I live in fear of what people will say.
And I hate it.
I don't want to live in fear anymore.
But I can't help but be afraid.
When my people are still being killed
Simply.
For.
Loving.