Past
would you have trusted me more
if I’d known about fingertip sparks
and fluttering hearts?
or if I’d really looked at
tiny pencil drawings on matchboxes and
folded paper napkins?
you’d pass notes I didn’t understand—
messages scrawled on scraps of paper
palm to palm
rainbows hung around your pretty neck;
delicate lovely things refracting light into
everything you did
you left without goodbyes—fleeing rejections
spurred by fevered religious hate disguised
as family love
you drew naked ladies in Paris
seeing worldly wonders dreaming nightly with
fingertips stained black
floating down stone steps in tailored
suits you charmed everyone with your
soft blue eyes
returning home sick, thick sketchbook under
heavy arms we talked about everything
but the truth
you left without me seeing you
kiss your lovers, pink-skinned blushing
on ornate bridges
or watching you dance under moonlit
skies with flowers tucked into your
fluffy blonde hair
Present
driving nowhere we sing with windows
down, wind blowing tangles into your
fluffy red hair
I sense something brewing behind quiet
lips, fingers fidget with your many
bright silver rings
with a trembling voice, you say
you like girls—scared of rejection
bare legs shake
you’ve known since kindergarten, but it
wasn’t something you wanted to explore
or talk about
honored, I listen to your deeply
held sacred truths; as you discover
who you are
my old friend breathes words of
comfort through me helping me ease
your coming out
grabbing soft hands tightly, I squeeze
three times letting you know my
love remains unchanged
balancing stone words we build together
walls to fight against those who
would seek destruction
inked drawings, musical explorations, the Heartstopper
you share everything with me, showing
me the way
crying at pride, past present swirl
promising to do better armed with
free mom hugs
In honor of Pride Month, I dedicate this poem to a dear high school friend who died of AIDS and my beautiful daughter who trusts me with her truth. I reference the show “Heartstopper” on Netflix and can’t recommend it enough for its sweet portrayal of love. Happy Pride Month!
So touching! A beautiful poem indeed!
Thank you so much!
This was incredibly moving
Thank you so much!
Goodness those are powerful compelling verses. I missed so many signs at school and later, only realising my cruel ignorance later. To be more inquiring, to see behind guarded eyes is all we should aspire to. I didn’t lose anyone but equally I didn’t find anyone either.
I’m so glad it spoke to you too. I regret so much not being there for him and others who couldn’t bring the words to say what I should have seen. I aspire to be better and do better.
Yes onwards and upwards!
Such an incredible poem. Thanks Anita
I’m so glad you like it, Anita!
PRESENT is a beautiful poem Bridgette! Honest; tender; heartfelt & evocative. ❤️👌👏Your daughter is lucky to have you! 😁
Thank you so much for those kind words! I’m trying to be what she deserves, what everyone deserves, a parent who loves without conditions. I also hope her friends and future girlfriends know they can count on me to defend and love them.
“A parent who loves without conditions” easier said than done but a wonderful aspiration. I strive for the same. 😁👍
Hugs and love. What we all need. Kudos on your tender verse and support Bridgette.
Thank you so much!
Lucky mothers we who see love through the prism of rainbows. Our child is non-binary and well loved.
Lovely way to put it! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Bridgette. I will post a related article tomorrow!
Very beautiful and heart touching. 🥰🥰😊😊♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️
What a wonderful, heart touching poem, Britta! I felt your pride in reading every word.
May you friend’s soul rest in everlasting peace and may you treasure uncountable moments with your daughter and be honoured with her truth!
There is such beauty to be experienced when we open up our hearts and I’m so glad that you did.
Thank you so much for your very kind words! You are right. When we open our hearts to the world and those we love, we are able to be see the true beauty around us.
Beautiful comment 🌹
Well written 🙏
Thank you so much!
Beautifully expressed. Your poem ‘Present’ resonated strongly – my son is gay and is a clever, witty, lovely young man, and I am so proud to be his mother. Rebecca put it perfectly in her comment above.
Thank you so much! Your son sounds incredibly lovely and I’m so glad the poem resonated with you.
A wonderful poem
Thank you so much!
🙏🙏🙏
You’re doing great with your poetry!
Thank you so much, Dawn!
Very powerful and inspiring verses. And those “free mom hugs” are simply the best!
Thank you! I am happy to give hugs to anyone who needs one.
Beautiful <3 <3
It's so funny, I didn't come out until my 30's- like it's only been about 4 years- and most people weren't the least bit surprised. My BFF's reaction was basically "no shit, Sherlock". My older sister said "a lot more stuff makes a lot more sense now". Even my husband wasn't as blindsided as my parents were. They were both positively clueless and their reactions were… eh… so, as weird as it may seem to thank you, I still thank you for just accepting and loving your daughter the same as before. I'm happy for her. Wonderful you had your friend's memory and spirit there to guide you. ^^
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I am glad you have people in your life that see you and were supportive of you coming out. I’m so sorry your parents weren’t among that bunch. I know that must hurt and I wish for them to someday see how much courage it takes to step fully into yourself. I marvel daily at my daughter and how she’s able to navigate her feelings in a world that often makes her feel less than. I’m so lucky to spend my life being her mom.
Well, Mom just needed time to adjust, I think. I never doubted she loves me, and she makes the effort. Last conversation I had with her, she said something that I think shows she’s really been reflecting on this. My father… well, I recently made the decision that he doesn’t deserve any contact or any presence in my family’s life, and that’s probably the healthiest decision I’ll ever make. Should’ve been done years ago, really. Luckily, my kids don’t really know him at all anyway. His presence was minimal to begin with, then non-existent after I came out. All contact was with my stepmother after that, and my kids didn’t see much of her either. Mom is the grandparent my kids all think of immediately. They love her. <3 <3
It makes me so happy your mother has come around! A loving parent and grandparent makes all the difference in this crazy mixed up world.
Wow this was so touching… RIP to your dear friend. This was amazing and as someone who is queer this was beautiful to read. Happy pride month 🌈💕🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ such great writing. We need more understanding people
Thank you for reading and happy pride to you!
beautiful Bridget.
💖
“you left without goodbyes—fleeing rejections
spurred by fevered religious hate disguised
as family love’
Thank you so much, Cindy.
You’re always welcome!
💕
Lovely poetry
Thank you so much!
Just stunningly beautiful! I thought my sister and I were the only ones who did three hand squeezes to say I love you.
Aww! I’m so glad you liked it and we share the I love you secret signal. My grandmother did it with me and I passed it down to my kids. ❤️
Beautiful poem about someone coming out. It’s great your daughter shared it with you. I am sorry you lost your high school friend. Keep writing and have a nice day!
Thank you so much for your kindness.
Quite melancholic. Good piece!
Thank you so much.
This is lovely
Thank you so much.
Love is love is love. And lovely are the mothers (and fathers) who love unconditionally. Blessings.
Thank you. Yes, love is love. ❤️
Loved this!
Thank you so much!
Present made me cry. It took me by surprise, When I realized where the path of words was leading me I welled up with emotion and the happiest of tears appeared. Wonderful.
That’s a huge compliment. Thank you so much.
I love this. I cried a bit. I hate the amount of hate in the world.
Agreed. It’s so hard knowing the struggles my daughter has ahead simply living her true life. All we can do is seek out joy where we can and love fiercely!