He was six then.

Maybe it was the smile.

Maybe he shouldn't wear

those overalls anymore.

 

He told Mom.

Her smile was much brighter

than any hurtful words

that came from fearful young mouths.

 

He's twenty-three.

Maybe microaggressions

shouldn't hurt him anymore.

"Maybe" isn't always true.

 

She still knows.

Her heart is a love fire

that still melts away pain.

And burns away fearful words.

 

He reclaimed queer

so that another six-year-old

will feel the warmth he felt

When his mother fanned the flame.

 

Dear young person,

You can identify love.

Queerness is beautiful.

Find warmth in the love of self.