A revision of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130
With a walk that was more of a glide, like hushed love
between the legs, you marauded the midnight.
You left Colin’s place like a ghost, floating down the cemetery’s slope,
with its cool, calm ground—peace settling in and getting comfortable.
While you feel a little too warm with life, being waist-deep in brews and bong hits,
and now hating yourself for it. But don’t apologize for seeming awkward—
I appreciate the gesture.
This isn’t the New Year’s Eve of two years past—
You tasted deliciously male that night, like the Crown I’d bought for you.
When, under the safety of the covers, you told me you loved me,
and I couldn’t say it back.
Now, some boy in class squints, peering at my test paper,
the question asks: “What is raising love’s banner?” The answer—
It’s the rising tide of love that lifts the heart to the face, a blush.
