Not an Ode to Mother

This could have easily turned out an ode to you, mother

However the rhymes and schemes would not begin to reveal my love

I am your son.

Yes, son, and I am yours

Even though my orientation… or is it preference left you questioning if indeed I am

Today I stand here, proudly identifying as a gay man

 And proclaim victoriously that truly I am your son

It is said that no one knows a child like a mother,

However you were shocked at the realisation that I, your boy, am un-like the others

I know what must have ran rampant through your mind:

“Will I ever have grandchildren?”

“Does he know the ridicule that awaits him?”

“Will he ever be happy?”

“What will society think of me as a mother?”

I know what my answers are to all you enquire:

“I am going to have children, preferably boys. So you will have grandchildren”

“I’ve already been ridiculed, ostracized, belittled, beaten and my self- esteem trampled on. Do not worry, I’m like a horse; I now stand strong”

“I am happy. I found myself”

“Society will always have something to say, find ease. You are my mother”

This could have easily turned out an ode to you, mother

However the rhymes and schemes would not begin to truly reveal my love

I know you still believe that I made a choice to be this way, maybe I did 

But it was way before I knew I could even exist or breathe

I love you so much that I carry you with me,

Some might say that I modelled myself after you

Take me, your boy as I am and have been

Remember the love you had when I was born

Erase all you think you should believe based on the face I and others like me have been given