Disdain

 

Seldom are words ever spoken 

the eyes give their full expression

I refuse to cower but my soul is intimidated

Whispers, stares and unspoken words

from the platform of the self righteous

It would be better to be crippled or in

some way retarded as they receive

overt compassion and help

To be different is to the ignorant a

challenge whose response is prejudice

I am gay, I was made that way

I have inhabited corners and dark places

out of fear

 

My life has been denegrated

by the majority

I have lost home and livelihood

because of sexuality

Those who demeaned and dismissed me

cared not one iota for my well being,

my dignity or person

They forced me to lie and deceive

they sat in judgement

They used the law and religion to bring 

terror and guilt into my heart

 

I possessed an inner strength

I know from where it came

and it was a blessing

filling my being with with a sense

of resilience and self esteem

I have overcome those who held me

in their disdain. I have won

They disgust me

I stand alongside other minorities 

who suffer prejudice and share

their struggle as if it were my own

 

Those who held me in such contempt

who laughed behind my back 

and sneered as I walked by

those who called names and abused me   

they are the scum of humanity

the ignorant and stupid

Now in my heart I look with disdain

on them and pity their dull fetid minds