The Wounds Your Silence Brings Today

The Wounds Your Silence Brings Today

I don't typically harp on things like this, 
But I've lost the words to say.
I don't know if you can see the wounds
Your silence brings today. 

A milestone of my life is here.
I'm happily engaged.
When others share this special news,
Rejoice!... Cuz they're not gay.

But me? What do you do?
Say nothing? Turn the cheek away?
Don't share our love with anyone.
Don't treat us the same. 

"I'm strong. I'm strong!" I tell myself.
I'll live another day. 
Who cares if no one cares
Or shares my happiness today?

I'm expected to be the bigger one
The one who has to pay.
And act as if I'm invincible, 
As if I am not phased.

A smile can fool the hateful ones.
But, I plead... see through my face.
Walk a day inside my shoes.
Feel what I feel and can't escape.

I don't want you to change your views
Or alter all your ways.
I just beg you to be aware
Of silent messages you display.

And of the hearts of those you hurt,
Of those you hush with hate.
Of those who face oppression
For loving genders same

How do I go about this?
"Just be quiet," so you pray.
Tuck your tail and dip your head.
Accept your lower fate.

That would please you, I'm sure,
But I refuse to break!
I will not push under the rug
The unequal, silent hate.

So no, I don't typically harp on things like this, 
But I've lost the words to say.
I don't know if you can see the wounds
Your silence brings today. 

     I wrote this poem tonight. It touches on the feelings I've been having this past month. Coupled with the bliss I've been feeling because of my recent engagement are little stings that come from peoples reactions- or should I say, lack-there-of. When a girl and a guy get engaged in the small community I live in, it is immediately announced. Sometimes, it is even announced the day of! Verbal and written affirmation is given. All encourage the newly engaged couple and spread the word of their engagement. Obviously, they are of more value than those who do not fall in love with the opposite gender. Why? How do I know this? Because their news has more value, their lives seem to have more value in the eyes of some people. I see the different treatment. I feel it. It doesn't go unnoticed. I just wanted to share my silly little poem that shows some of the feelings I have had as of late.
     Be aware of what your silence does... to marginalized peoples in your world... whether by race, religion, ethnicity, romantic attraction, socio-economic status, or whatever! You fill in the blank. People are strong because they have to be. Just be aware of the depth of pain that silence can cause. The marginalized are not idiots; they see what you do or do not do, they hear what you say or do not say, and they feel at all times even if they don't let you see their pain. I am engaged to a woman who is the love of my life, and I will not be ashamed.

Signing out for the night. Have a blessed one.
~Holli