For my 2016 writing project, I’ve decided to write a single line of poetry every day for an entire year. Below, is May’s poem. Enjoy!

City streets littered with couples holding hands,
But we aren't one of them.
We can't be.
These streets are Titanic safe.
False promises are everywhere you look;
People who support as long as they don't have to watch.

We are always made to feel like the other.
If they could see us at home,
Maybe all would be different.
They would see themselves.
Simply, a couple.

So, we walk down city streets like friends.
Our expressions stand as the only truth.

We are new to this world.
Perhaps our courage will grow.
Maybe self-advocacy is to be had still.
This feels like someone else's war.
Our armor remains in the closet.
We escaped long ago!
All I want is to grab his hand.

My love shows in other ways.
Power is always on display.
The public can't take that away from me.
My love is real.

City streets are war zones.
We are merely soldiers of the sidewalk.
Our only goal is the destination;
Often, simply, returning home.
There is safety and security.
There love flourishes.
Just as it should.