Getting the Better of Bigotry

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

Like many if not most gay men of my generation, I have found myself in a few tight corners over the years.

Now, this poem is not strictly autobiographical, but so easily could be. However, it is based on a tale told to me by a one of many wonderful, anonymous, strangers with whom there was a time I would spend many a happy hour (or more)  getting merry (and inwardly debating potential for…whatever) in the heyday of London’s gay bars… (Today’s gay bars are just not the same, ask anyone over 50.)

Sadly, though, I have to say that (yes, even in predominantly gay-friendly London) homophobia is still alive and kicking. Some people are born bigots, regardless of their origins, while multiculturalism does gay people no favours either in the sense that many cultures are intrinsically homophobic, and the more deeply entrenched among us refuse to adapt to a changing world.

GETTING THE BETTER OF BIGOTRY

I’d be walking down a street,

and they would shout after me,

call me a nasty name

I can’t repeat because it makes me

feel, oh, so sick inside,

and there was nowhere to hide;

I’d just go on my way,

asking myself why they hate me

just because I’m gay,

do they even (really) know

themselves…?

I’d be in the local library

and they would surround me,

ape nasty gestures

I can’t describe because it makes me

feel, oh, so bad inside

where there’s nowhere to hide;

I’d just walk away,

asking myself if maybe it’s true

what some people say,

that we never (really) know

our true selves

It was in the local park,

where they ganged up on me,

pulled knives

and I was scared because it made me

feel, oh, so angry inside

and I did not want to hide

or walk away

but told them what I’d learned

the hard way

that only cowards (really) run

from themselves

It was getting dark,

as they closed in for the kill,

just for kicks,

and I braced myself for the fight

of my life, no matter what,

and I didn’t give a thought

how it might end

then someone yelled ‘Police!’

and suddenly

the gang scattered and left me

to myself

I shook my head

as if to clear it of rage and fear,

but in vain,

as through hot tears I saw you

for the very first time,

and I knew you even then

for the stranger

in dreams since just a child,

feelings running wild,

needing someone to love me

for myself

We’re walking down a street,

and people nod knowingly at us

but quickly look away

as we nod knowingly back,

smiles on our faces

because we’re going places

they cannot follow

for we’re going all the way

to where couples the world over 

let love have its way,

and being gay is okay, we have

each other

Copyright R N. Taber 2015