Holy

"Sometimes they come out so gay, they're flaming."
 

This was the joke my mother said to our family members when they decided that their opinion mattered in someone else's marriage.


I remember listening in as my body curled around Gatsby, as my uncle says "They can have a partnership if they want, but don't call it marriage. That is a holy thing."


I couldn't help but wonder when marriage became synonymous with religious. Sitting in City Hall to get a marriage licence only feels like church because of those perfect identical rows. But it's far less filled with bigotry these days, I have noticed. 


Marriage, they say, is suppose to be holy; so let me tell you this: If given the chance I will treat your body like a chapel. I will praise you every Sunday from dawn to dusk with the lips I use to pray. On my knees while you scream out to God. I hope that is holy enough to please them.


I want to love like my grandmother, who loved a woman like Joseph loved Mary. Someone so imperfect, so human, brave enough to love someone who already knows God. But they were never allowed in a church as they truly are, these two women, who helped raise my mother. It makes me think how much a child can betray someone's memory.


I sat there curled around Gatsby, thinking how this family raised me to be nice and quiet, but on Sunday all I hear is noise. Screams to God for forgiveness for their sins. But I am not screaming with them. I know that God cannot be found in a congregation, but in the humanity of another.


Love sounds a lot like God these days, and I hope that my love is enough for you.

Comments

Brianna_1297

That was truly amazing. You strike a powerful note in those across the world who are condescended  for their "unnatural love". I definitely related to this myself in come ways in coming to terms with my own sexuality and I especially loved the line "If given the chance I will treat your body like a chapel. I will praise you every Sunday from dawn to dusk with the lips I use to pray". Your writing is incredibly passionate and full of strength; with a voice so talented you should keep writing more!!!

beingyoutiful123

I love this!! thank you so much

Grant-Grey Porter Hawk Guda

Powerful expression. Always let poetry fill your life. Keep expressing your heart.  

Charles Muchori

This is good, true... authentic. I notice you haven't written in a while. That's a bummer because you have mad talent. Keep sharing your poetry with the world. We need it.

upnorthdavid

Love the exposure of hypocrisy

Glory Afriyie Appiah-kubi

Love this poem

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