Were? Did? Can?

Were you innocent and afraid as a child and unable to fit in and feel different inside? Were you playing with boys but dreaming about girls, all socially awkward, quiet, and reserved? Were you void of makeup, fashion, and perfume and writing alone in your bedroom? Were you young and alone when you left home to discover a sexual identity completely foreign? Were you shunned and forbidden by employers ignorant of human rights and trying to destroy ya? Were you using alcohol to deal with pain and to suppress denial, confusion, and shame?

Did you have closeted relationships and constantly told "get over it"? Did you commit petty crimes whilst addicted and have family members charged and convicted? Did you hit rock bottom whilst addicted but rise again from courage within? Did you come out for all to see and combat workplace discrimination for equality? Did you walk alone amongst the whispers whilst ostracized by blue brothers and sisters? Did you lose faith in a justice system but go beyond for the victims?

Can you look out a window and recall your life and relive moments that cut like a knife? Can you relive family ordeals and times that made your heart reel? Can you relive trauma, heartache, and the gory by sharing true events of a life story? Can you recall the brutal reality but tell the story with dignity? Can you retain humour and morality and do it all in poetry?