Why must i be afraid?

Why can’t I hold her hand?

Or kiss her in public?

Why must I hide amongst the shadows,

with a love that’s more like poison
than an elixir of life?

why must her touch leave bullet holes in my flesh?

and why must wanting her feel like a sin?

maybe one day I’ll find a love 
that doesn’t leave bruises on my heart

that isn’t condemned

and that blossoms like a rose
without demanding blood with its thorns.