In Between the Lines

Their prejudice is embedded in their words, tucked away Putting a damper on your pride A laugh and a smile and a claim that it was “just a joke” And your friends, the ones who have never loved anyone other than boys, They accept the apologies, the excuses, as though they were for them in the first place “That school’s FULL of lesbians” “You think she has a crush on ME? Ewwww” “She just looks like a lesbian. That’s why I’m not friends with her anymore” Day after day after day Joke after joke after joke A double standard that they do not notice, do not talk about Because they are Allies with a capital A Always ready to curse out a homophobe Except when their words are hidden in their friends Except when it’s their basketball teammate or the school gossip Leaving you to wonder if you went crazy if you’re making it all up The side glances, the curious looks One doesn’t belong and it sure isn’t any of them Except when homophobia is a quirk, an ick, not enough to really call it quits Except when it’s hidden between the lines.