Hands that Say We're Making the Case for Love

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

We're in the 21st century, for goodness sake. If some people can refuse be intimidated by either gossip or religion in their approach to gay men and women....why can’t everyone?

This poem is based on a tale told me by a gay couple I once met in a gay bar. A visit to the local fair in the village where they live had been their first public outing as a couple.

Some locals were plainly none too happy when their local priest targeted the subject and object of their gossip not with fire and brimstone as they might have expected (and hoped?) but a welcome handshake…

Photo taken from the Internet

This poem is a villanelle.

HANDS THAT SAY WE'RE MAKING THE CASE FOR LOVE

Neighbours paused to gossip and stare,

(backed up by umbrellas in pouring rain)

that day we dared hold hands at the fair

We tried to make out we hadn’t a care

(stomachs turning over again and again);

neighbours paused to gossip and stare

Proud of a love we had sworn to share

(grateful to heaven for shielding our pain)

that day we dared hold hands at the fair

Some yobs yelled at us to kiss if we dare

(so we did, just as the sun joined in again);

neighbours paused to gossip and stare

Other voices labelled us a disgraceful pair

(a cry taken up with much indignant distain)

that day we dared hold hands at the fair

A local priest greeted us then and there

(friendly smile and handshake like an amen);

neighbours paused to gossip and stare

that day we dared hold held hands at the fair

Copyright R. N. Taber 2010; 2014