Warm Payne’s Grey

They cannot (she cannot) understand the vitriol.

Golden dresses, sun brushing twilight beaches.
Tender midriffs and thin skin, touching soft
Flesh like fingers on heartbeats.

She wants to kiss a man. She wants to love a man.
She does not understand how this should
Blind her — to the beauty of the woman.

Books speak in black and white that
Love is black and white.

Those who love one and forsake another
Shout of rainbows.

She slip-slides in grey
Drizzle down the nape of the neck.

(Shhh. Be ashamed.)
Choose this. Or that.

Come in from the rain
(Rain drops on her tongue).

Thigh high stockings, apple kisses.
(Shhh. Close your eyes.)

Laughter throaty and watermelon warm. Parched July waters.
(Shhh. Close your ears.)

Memory thick scents, washed down
Freckled breasts to teasing buttons.
(Shhh. Close your heart.)

Resentment is a gun aimed
At the shooter
Beauty is fire to light the way.

“Te quiero,” soft and hoarse on a
Mixed-up dance floor.
Artist’s pen lines like willow branches
Curved to a sleep-softened back.

Gentle fingers on a muscular shoulder. Protection,
Completion,
Love.

She cannot (they cannot) understand the separation.
She cannot (they will not) understand the hate.