Childhood taught me
To hide behind boys
With bright eyes and muddy sneakers
Whom’s laughter and
Enamored smiles
Would protect me from my feelings

Early adolescence was a time
To experience the many firsts
Actual desire
The denial inducing judgment
That always
Comes with it


The stage of time you might name ‘now’
Has been a breath of fresh air
And honesty
That no matter how differently I
Love
We are all the same