Queerly Beloved

because it doesn't have to be heavy

I came out once at Thanksgiving�"
right between the yams and prayer.
Grandma dropped her casserole,
Uncle Joe just stared.

Mom said, “Honey, we know that,”
while refilling her wine.
Dad blinked twice, then asked me
if my shoes were still a size nine.

I flirt with baristas shamelessly,
for the aesthetic and the thrill.
I can’t build IKEA furniture,
but I can overanalyze RuPaul's will.

I’ve got playlists for emotions
that don't have names in English yet,
and I cried at a dog in a sweater
because�"well, no regret.

I turn “extra” into baseline,
make brunch a weekly rite.
I’ve ghosted gym memberships
but never skipped Drag Race night.

So here’s to being fabulous,
to glitter in unexpected places�"
to living life in full color
and confusing straight relatives' faces.

Author's Note

open to feedback

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Quite funny and nicely rhymed.