Pride Month

It is June, the month to be proud-

or the month that allows

those who do not care to save face,

as they put on the vestige of friends

Some sheep—some wolves in sheep’s clothing

They paint their two-faces is flags, but when voting

they are against us,

though they don’t know the violence they bring

Some remain silent,

some ask defiant

“Are you out?”

Am I out?

I have told many, yes

though others remain unaware, and I wonder

must I tell everyone I know, will ever know

before I am truly out?

It’s is a fool’s quest, chasing something that will never be

possible. Because how could I see

the future to know everyone who needs to know?

Why does anyone need to know?

(But me)

“Are you proud?” Am I proud?

I am proud of my accomplishments, goals I’ve achieved

But of this, I suppose I’m no more proud than I would be

of my hair or height or skin, and all the other things

which I did not choose to be

Should I be proud?

I don’t know.

Is my lack of pride self-loathing?

I don’t know.

But I’m proud of all the others

who live their truth more perfectly than me…

And I still celebrate Pride Month.