Forty Nine
I would like to share a poem — a sestina, with everyone.
Forty-Nine
Rainbows can be seen afar, the streets sing with cheer.
Brothers and sisters dress for Pride. A gallant event.
Bangs from the drums. The sweet-mellow aroma of grass,
We join together in solidarity, shoulder to shoulder.
No more hatred. No more bigotry. No more violence.
On this vivacious day, we are free. We are proud. We are Gay!
Men, women, and children in support of equality, do not fear to catch, “The Gay”.
How can some be so indifferent? Why not come out to dance and cheer?
Why preach the holiest words to the lambs, while the chickens resort to violence?
The pelvic shorts conjoined at his glutes: loose enough to let it bounce in any event.
Names of his exes branded on his right shoulder,
Never to turn his back. Streamers in one hand, back pocket stained heavily with grass.
Maybe the holistic healers are right, we need more wheatgrass.
Stop the lies. Stop the false reports. Tell the truth. Does not matter straight or gay.
Entourages of Madonna produce a bright sparkle, with split-ends at their shoulders.
Come to the gather, of where we all join hands. Rah! Rah! Rah! Is the cheer.
On top the glamorous stage is a Drag-queen. She performs at one type of event.
Diamonds dazzle atop her bosom, jaws break free. There is no violence.
In Orlando, tragedy struck us hard. We’ve lost forty-nine members to violence.
Pain and grievance has shattered us all. To cope: some drink, or smoke grass.
My brothers and sisters, do not let fear dictate our lives. This deeply sadden event
Has brought out the best in our communities. We are a solid agate of peaceful gay
Advocates who will not surrender. We will bring people together in cheer
And in prayer. Lift the spirits of those who have fallen; it’s quite alright to cry on a shoulder.
The bitter tears may wash away the pain. Rest your soul on his left shoulder.
Submerged. Suffocated. Drowned with acts of past violence,
Tribulations will always be there, like our unfiltered air; it will never go away. The cheer
Should never remain silent. Whirl your hands and stomp your feet on Mile High’s grass,
Now is the time to celebrate and to be gay.
Pride celebrations will forever honor the brave brothers and sisters of this fatal event.
The sound of bravery is amongst us. As we unite in light of the Orlando event,
Let us remember this: Be proud of yourself. Stand up tall, square each shoulder,
And place one solid foot in front of the other. Lead the Gays!
Not into a stagnant puddle of violence,
But to a bountiful and vibrant field of Perennial Ryegrass.
Let out a huge and thunderous cheer!
It is the echoes of cheer;
In and around this gigantic sphere, across the oceans and yards of grass,
Outbursts will slowly come to a hush. Unite to end all violence.
Thank you for reading.
