A man
drives through—
And I told
myself
last time
that
this time
I would ask him
about
his watch band
(it's rainbow colored)
I open the window
and whisper
"Are you part of the alphabet mafia,
too?"
He is confused.
And I have my answer.
I say
"Sorry, we just are all gays in here."
Then he really does laugh
and says
"this is for my gay son and 5 children, there are
special stories.
I'm an ally."
I say,
"That's sweet, thank you"
...
It feels like my heart
is cracking open,
in that bittersweet,
slightly jealous way
because
in 3 years,
not once has my mother asked
about my identity.
She thinks
I do not know
that she demeans
my community.
I've learned
not to care
anymore.
But it would be nice if
she would accept
all of
me.
