Even Though

Even though my mother is homophobic,

I still appreciate the fact that I

inherited her artistic, do-it-yourself ingenuity.

 

Even though my father is homophobic,

I am still thankful that I

inherited his gregarious professionalism and social skills. 

 

Even though my parents think

I'm going to hell and breaking their hearts,

that my being queer causes people --

and appliances -- to literally die, and that I 

and anyone like me are ruining the country,

I am still grateful that I

grew up feeling safe and loved as a child. 

 

Even though it is no longer safe for me to

spend time with my parents,

and I grieve the fact that they think I am evil,

and I wish they they would love me

for being the tender, compassionate, brave person

I have become,

I still feel fortunate that they

made me who I am today.

 

I am confident and soft and bold and kind and caring

and queer

even though

they are not.

(A good relationship)

A good relationship

keeps you feeling both

completely adored and

completely humbled.

Thank You!

By all accounts, the LEVITATE Holland Arts Festival was a success!  Thanks to all of you who attended the poetry program yesterday.  A very special thanks to Charmayne, Javier, Jessy, Kathy, Kenzie, and Marianna -- as well as Katherine and Rissa -- for your support!

Performing at LEVITATE: Holland Arts Festival

I am pleased to announce that I have been invited to perform at the inaugural LEVITATE: Holland Arts Festival and will be participating during the POETRY BLOCK that afternoon.

 

LEVITATE: Holland Arts Festival

Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m. (POETRY BLOCK)

Herrick District Library Auditorium 

300 S. River Ave.

Holland, MI  49423 

 

Please join us! 

(the smell of a coffeehouse)

the smell of a coffeehouse:
one of the things I fell
in love with in college

Snow Garden

Our yard was a garden
of snow and our father
was the gardener. He
made snow forts and
an obstacle course of
sorts for my sisters and
me in the front yard one
winter. It was an exciting
adventure, and a little
bit scary, but I felt safe
knowing that Dad was
guiding the sled and
guarding the fort. I still
remember his laugh
that day as we squealed
with delight, holding tight
to the orange, plastic sled.

(last glass of eggnog)

last glass of eggnog
on the last day of the year
last sips; last seconds

Christmas Time

Spices and glitter mix and mingle
with cozy, jolly food and folks
as carols and choruses jingle
in rooms full of stories and jokes.

(hot tea:)

hot tea:

a comfort and

a companion