Funny

Homosexuality is a funny thing.

The kind of funny

that really means terrible.

The way people say its funny

that their sister is now dating their ex.

The way people say its funny

that they failed an exam they felt confident about.

The way people say its funny

that their mother died of a disease they were studying.

Being queer can mean

that suddenly

everything is far greater

your feelings are more

your world is wider than before.

You know so much

You know so little

You know just enough to incriminate you.

Knowing and being

suddenly mean more

than you ever thought they could.

Every breath could expose you

Every step could trap you

in iron cuffs attached to bowling balls

Everywhere you look

mannequins hold braided rope

waiting for you to slip up

waiting for you to look at her

like she shines.

It’s on the tip of your tongue

She’s on the tip of your tongue

without ever having tasted her.

When you’re alone

you say it out loud

you tell the walls in whispers

that she shines.

If the walls answer in soft groans

then you press your cheek against them

and dream.

They tell you

Homosexuality is a funny thing.