We Danced Naked

There is a time to mourn a time to dance and we dance naked The ballad of dead things has played it’s final notes we leave it buried somewhere between the street and the door the same with our clothes somewhere Here, in this sanctuary, we sway our chests meet to...
The straight guy, brother, buddy, gay-friend lunch.

The straight guy, brother, buddy, gay-friend lunch.

[For a dear friend.] i thought of you while driving south on the expressway when i turned on my high beams cause it was raining and it was dark and, well… i have astigmatism sorry. what i’m trying to say is. i was thinking of you sitting. across from me. when we...
We talk to monsters.

We talk to monsters.

We talk to monsters When the afternoon light is still good Making home for us on this side Of sliding glass doors. We sit on the couch. With the monsters. You and I holding hands. I find the wonder of an Arizona sky in your eyes You find the earth in mine And we make...
Hello Sunday

Hello Sunday

It’s okay for him to be gay they say As long as he doesn’t flaunt it As long as he doesn’t hold hands With any man In prayer Or kiss Anything but the good book God loves you as you are they say in verse Then turn to each other The whispers that...
April 13, 2022

April 13, 2022

On this day in Black history I put my armor on Wondering how fast I’ll need to run How will I be considered if I wear anything but a suit? A clergy collar? A tie. How will I look? The camera catching me Running toward Breonna Taylor Way Catching flames Or running...
The Epic of la Morena

The Epic of la Morena

Abuela sweeps her hair back Ties it up Soy fea. I am ugly. She says. Such a common refrain. I watch her hands Weathered, but unwrinkled Her fingers chorus A more ancient verse Of waters pulled By an invisible moon Onto a sand formally known as Unknown Formally known...