Fought a quiet rebellion
and never raised fists;
I tried to be
a good southern boy.

Choices caved my left breast
and spread to the legs;
Oh they ache!
Mom, will you—
rub them for me?
I want to sleep
well for once.

I’ve been dreaming of moments—
an ache for common love.
I want you to
wake me by your
quietness at a still,
and set in motion
every red affair in my body.

A belief our souls continue
together,
yes,
I’ll never fear death.
But I won’t ask sameness to you,
I cannot brave—
no.

Warmth may you leave your footprints
bold in the snow
or a sunny glow showing
often for me to see
the kind days before this,
this cold winter entered.
Promising a ruby sun awaits us
this spring and summer.
Let this cold winter,
this cold winter wither.