To Be Gay And

To Be Gay And

I've been awake since three

Thinking about you, Chris.

Being gay,

Has been such a struggle for me.

Being gay and deaf,

Gay and blind...

Gay and whatever...

Is one step beyond

What I've had to endure.

I worry alot now

For my young brothers;

(their gayness)

Their use of dope and alcohol.

Reason,

Easily falls away

To such things'

Creating the fertile ground

Needed to harvest AIDS.

Being gay

Being gay and...

Is no excuse to cast yourself away.

Enjoy your youth.

Be careful.

Grow old with me..

Your brother.

In addition:

I need you here

With me..

In my old age...

So that I'm not

Alone.

Alone and gay.

--Rendo July 1992