Poetry

I went to the LGBTQ+ youth center for the first time.

For a year 

I stared at the website, 

wanting nothing more than to go.

When I finally went, on a Wednesday,

I keep wondering if something is wrong with me,

Because I can’t seem to understand.

And I don’t want to be the person that only writes about crushes and drama,

I’m not shallow don’t worry.

Yet here I am,

always carry your keys between your middle and ring finger 

never have your wallet visible 

don't listen to music in public 

everyone's a stranger 

you're our child; don't scare us. 

I promised you I would always stay,

swore on a bond I thought would never break.

Then came a time everything conflict

but I meant every word, every bit of it.

Resist.

Intransitive verb:  to exert force in opposition

I was once asked:

How do I use my creativity?

Connecting with the voices

Talking to them

While eating waffles and drinking coffee

Zoning out every new day

To feel the warmth of the indescribable

"Please take care of my human," 

the old cat whispers to the kitten. 

"They are scarred and broken. 

Until my return, 

take care of my human." 

The kitten is listening attentively,

i’m shaking. 

i’m in tears. 

i’m hugging my pillow so tight i can barely feel my arms, 

my heart is pounding in my ears 

These are my bones-

Perfectly structured, pristine white.

Here, take my skull, that forever grinning phantom reminder,

And keep it in the gold chest that sits by your fireplace.

in the halls, we lean against the bulletin boards

and whisper of the latest news, last night's breaking, articles snagged

in the moments before leaving for school. lots of adults

think we are too young to understand

All skin

Is made up of the same cells,

All eyes

Reflect the same stars,

All lips

Dance around the same meaning,

And even if they don’t work,

All hearts

Are connected by the same strings;

Catching fireflies

In my palms

Catching snowflakes

On my tongue

Throwing wishes

To the sky

On the wings

Of dandelions

Dreaming

With my head

In the clouds

Begging to stay