everything you fear
April 6, 2008
i have paid my dues
as a lesbian
in this town.
have come out
thousands of times
in public, at work, in classrooms,
at home, & in court
argued the queer factor
in ten tongues
with fingers unclasped.
i have dragged
my broken family
over shards of promises
have been bashed by both
my sisters. have been erased.
don’t call me straight.
don’t place names in my throat.
don’t take it upon yourself
to disqualify me as gay
don’t take it personal
when you see me
with a man.
don’t trip like they
trip when you see us
touch hands.
& yes, love is political
let me be perfectly clear
bisexuality, fluidity
queer queerness
//
don’t believe
everything you fear
© 2007 tahminah zaman
