I
My life is no more different than yours.
I begin my day with a piece of toast and an egg. I wear a suit, neat and ironed, and go to work. I meet my boss and coworkers They all love me, for I am diligent With my work, and a friendly soul.
I sometimes visit my parents, Who cook delicious meals and Wait eagerly for my return.
On weekends, I go to bars, Not the ones that too many others go to, And enjoy, drink, kiss, and have a good time With the one I love.
This is a secret. None of my friends know where I disappear on those nights.
II
Yes, I came out as gay to the world On Facebook. Yes, I had the courage to do it.
I do not, however, have the courage to be left All alone.
The shops selling bread refuse to sell bread to me. I often find myself hungry in the mornings, As I did not have the courage to accept that humiliation.
My boss is polite, though I hear The promotion that I was meant to be given Will be given to a friend.
The coworkers shun me completely Refuse to talk to me, and sometimes, Look at me oddly, As though I am a zoo animal.
My parents have shifted, and have not told me where they are. They refuse to contact me. My loving, supportive parents.
And I fear to leave my small apartment every night As I think of the bar where I used to go to to forget my pains I was going there that night, and on the way I heard,
They shot all my friends, And the one I love.
I’m all alone, and no one to love me.
All because the one I loved was someone of the same sex.
Are you listening? Will you be my friend in this cruel world?