We create the walls with our words

and anyone that is different is an ‘other.’

They are never given the keys to the city

or space at the table.

I heard the pastor tell me my love was sinful and wrong.

I sat in the audience behind this wall.

I had family say being gay is a mental illness and abomination.

I was on the other side, hurt.

I was on the other side, alone. Unable to reach out.

My teachers compared homosexuality to marrying dogs.

I stayed quiet. I wondered if I married a girl would I be the dog or would she?

My school administration said that “gays were welcome but it may be a hostile environment for them.”

I wondered if this was their way of trying to inspire

and equip me to serve like Christ did.

I wonder, briefly

if we know the same God.

I heard friends call each other dyke and gay as an insult.

I was terrified they’d call me the same if they knew.

I heard so much hate.

Will they hate me too if they find out who I am?

30/53

The Other Side of the Wall