http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber
[Update June 4th 2017] Last night there was another terror attack in London. Our hearts go out to survivors and the families and friends of all those affected by the awful events in the London Bridge area, The words Carpe Diem take on a even greater significance in the light of terror attacks around the world. Seize the Day, indeed. We cannot let terrorists dictate our way of life. On the contrary, we must not only get on with our lives according to our various needs and aspirations, but also treasure every moment of being able to do so while taking nothing and no one for granted..] RT
From time to time people - including teachers - ask for a poem (on various social themes) and I try to oblige. This autobiographical piece one was written for a teacher who has asked for something "not too complicated” (they always say that) for a class discussion about gay issues.
True, the title might be 'complicated' for some young people but I think it is well worth taking a few minutes to explain. I will probably include the poem in my next collection - On The Battlefields Of Love - scheduled for publication in 2010.
[Note: Any readers who may wish to use any of my poems in any public arena – including a classroom – should contact me first: rogertab@aol.com [I rarely refuse permission but you are in breach of copyright if you go ahead without it. Besides, I like to keep track of when and where my poems are used in whatever context. Feedback, too, is always welcome; opinions good or bad, although it is always good to hear from readers on any subject even if they just want to say hello.]
CARPE DIEM
Growing up gay was a tough scene
(criminalised for years)
and when I came out in the open
made to run a gamut of tears
My mother, an open-minded woman,
tried to meet me halfway,
but even she said I should tell no one
I thought I was (not am) gay
I did as my mother asked, kept quiet
about my emerging sexuality,
mind, body and spirit ripped apart
by conflicting views of morality
Although my mother’s death a blow,
it also set me free;
no reason now why none should know
how I saw myself, the real me
Some people appeared not to mind
but a look in their eyes
suggested they were but resigned
to putting on a front, telling lies
Other people were downright hostile
but at least I knew where I stood,
wouldn’t win them over with a smile
but maybe a well-chosen word?
I care what people think, of course I do
and take note of what they say
but far more important is staying true
to the real me, its seizing every day
Copyright R. N. Taber 2009
[From: On the Battlefields of Love by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2010.]
[Update June 4th 2017] Last night there was another terror attack in London. Our hearts go out to survivors and the families and friends of all those affected by the awful events in the London Bridge area, The words Carpe Diem take on a even greater significance in the light of terror attacks around the world. Seize the Day, indeed. We cannot let terrorists dictate our way of life. On the contrary, we must not only get on with our lives according to our various needs and aspirations, but also treasure every moment of being able to do so while taking nothing and no one for granted..] RT
From time to time people - including teachers - ask for a poem (on various social themes) and I try to oblige. This autobiographical piece one was written for a teacher who has asked for something "not too complicated” (they always say that) for a class discussion about gay issues.
True, the title might be 'complicated' for some young people but I think it is well worth taking a few minutes to explain. I will probably include the poem in my next collection - On The Battlefields Of Love - scheduled for publication in 2010.
[Note: Any readers who may wish to use any of my poems in any public arena – including a classroom – should contact me first: rogertab@aol.com [I rarely refuse permission but you are in breach of copyright if you go ahead without it. Besides, I like to keep track of when and where my poems are used in whatever context. Feedback, too, is always welcome; opinions good or bad, although it is always good to hear from readers on any subject even if they just want to say hello.]
CARPE DIEM
Growing up gay was a tough scene
(criminalised for years)
and when I came out in the open
made to run a gamut of tears
My mother, an open-minded woman,
tried to meet me halfway,
but even she said I should tell no one
I thought I was (not am) gay
I did as my mother asked, kept quiet
about my emerging sexuality,
mind, body and spirit ripped apart
by conflicting views of morality
Although my mother’s death a blow,
it also set me free;
no reason now why none should know
how I saw myself, the real me
Some people appeared not to mind
but a look in their eyes
suggested they were but resigned
to putting on a front, telling lies
Other people were downright hostile
but at least I knew where I stood,
wouldn’t win them over with a smile
but maybe a well-chosen word?
I care what people think, of course I do
and take note of what they say
but far more important is staying true
to the real me, its seizing every day
Copyright R. N. Taber 2009
[From: On the Battlefields of Love by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2010.]
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