UBU

 walking through those doors

my eyes had been opened

but I was still just looking

through the shop window

it was all a celebration

of being true, of being you

but I hadn't a clue

who that was yet

I mean I shared a lot 

with everyone present

but the glamor, the bling

the attitude and masks weren't me

maybe that was why they had all come

maybe that is why I had too

to be someone else

who wasn't rated less

to not be a second-class citizen

to not feel the backside 

of your father's hand after he

found out who you really are

but to feel the acceptance

from familiar strangers and

love of self that you had

thrown away long ago

because every stare told you

you didn't deserve it

every sermon from the pulpit

every discriminatory law 

every joke made at your expense

sold you the lie that you're not worthy

 but the beating pulse

of the rhythmic bodies

the queen named Bruce

serving drinks at the bar

you watching me

watching him watching you

the tragedy of future lovers

and unforgettable loves that never were

the sweat and heat and flesh

and tears in lonely cocktails

all of this queer chaotic scene

told you not only are you more than worth it

but there's more than just you

you're not the island you were born as

not anymore, no longer

you are part of the most brilliant sea of souls

that illuminate the darkest parts of this life