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.
Copyright © Moira Elizabeth | Year Posted 2022
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