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If You've Never Been...
by Karl Waldbauer
If you've never been
called a "Nigger"
you could never know
how it feels
when
"Faggot"
blasts from a passing car,
to fear
for your life
holding a loved one's hand
while walking down the street.
You wouldn't know
about office parties,
bring
a lady friend,
your lover stays at home.
Don't let them know;
you could lose your job
or the new apartment
you can easily afford.
If you've never been
a "Nigger"
you never saw
a nurse
put her stethoscope
in a latex glove
before listening to your heart.
You'd never hear
your God hates you,
plan to burn when you are dead.
You wouldn't
drown in drink,
gobble those pills,
stuff crap up your nose
'cause you loathe
yourself,
fear your future,
trying to be
anything
but
who you are,
gay boy.
11/27/2003 Author's Note: All apologies for the demeaning slurs, but they are among the most powerful, hateful words I know. This poem is about hate and prejudice.
Posted on 11/28/2003
Copyright © 2024 Karl Waldbauer
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Max Bouillet on 11/28/03 at 06:36 PM Hatred and intolerance are emotions that I wish would become outdated. That being said, I doubt they ever will. It is potery like this that helps to bring humanity's shortcomings to light so that we may better examine them and hopefully make changes. Great verse. |
| Posted by Cole Miller on 12/01/03 at 02:20 AM wow. full effect was surely reached. this is so full of just amazing power and strength. so much behind it. |
| Posted by Leslie Ann Eisenberg on 12/22/03 at 02:32 AM you never saw
a nurse
put her stethoscope
in a latex glove
before listening to your heart........searingly potent. |
| Posted by Thomas K. Hunt on 04/30/04 at 10:19 PM If you've never been it's even hard to imagine...excellent read, very powerful and very well done |
| Posted by Kourosh Taheri-Golvarzi on 04/11/05 at 08:58 AM Gays have put up with so much unnecessary bull$#%@ from the establishment. I still wanna know what causes the fear straight people have of gay people. It's fucking stupid! |
| Posted by Stephanie Myers on 07/24/05 at 12:38 AM This was really outstanding. I this should be printed and worn during Gay pride, or any other human rights rallies! |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 04/25/06 at 03:33 PM Powerful words Karl- as a handicapped person, I, too am victim to alot of stereotypes/predjudices you've described so eloquently. I can realate...I truly do know the feeling, and it's not nice or pretty, but it is my reality. Excellent job- I think you made people understand. |
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