I wrote this poem because even though it can be hard, even though it can be isolating and painful, to be a lesbian is a beautiful thing.
It is anger
Driven by hatred that’s fueled by fear
A riot in the streets because that is the only way they’ll listen
It is a fight
The constant struggle of a starving wildcat
Living in a dying forest
Except she’s not living
She’s just surviving
Because moving from one fight to the next every second you’re awake is no way to live
Because defending every last shred of self from every
Other
Passing
Person
Is not how a self respecting queen of the jungle should live her life
It is an emptiness
In the pit of your stomach
Because you’ve realized that just existing as your true self is enough to make some people think you deserve to be hated
That you deserve pain
That you deserve death
It is a soaring feeling deep in your heart
Wind ruffling the down feathers under your wings
Because she smiled at you
Because a store clerk overheard your conversation and told you to be proud of who you are
Because falling asleep you imagine a future where you’re happy
Where you’re with the one
And she loves you
And you love her
And no one cares
That you’re different
Because she’s not a he
Or vice versa
It is love
A soft body next to yours
A warm presence on a cold morning
Long hair tangled in your fingers
Lipstick staining the rim of your mugs
It is two women deeply in love
And it
Is
Beautiful
