Matthew Shepard Of Wyoming
Twenty-one years old,
or should I say young,
with the fair coloring and
grace of a trumpeting swan.
Youth of intellect and
a goodness.
He attended an LGBTQ+ meeting
on the campus of the
University of Wyoming on
October 6, 1998,
afterwards he dropped by
the Fireside Bar for a drink.
Two malevolent men lured
him from the bar.
They tortured the youth of
the peaceful presence.
They left him to die on
a deer-proofing fence
near a rural roadside.
Hours later a young man
on a bicycle at first thought
Matthew was a scarecrow,
then recognized him.
He, Matthew of an angelic face.
The swan, the delicate swan.
Tear tracks streamed on his cheeks.
After a six day coma in the hospital,
Matthew of this sad earth passed away.
Candlelight vigils glowed the world over.
Hate crime legislation across the U.S.
was born.
Matthew, a citizen of global humanity,
was murdered for being gay.
Love and Hope lying bereft,
bleeding still.
Matthew's angels still console the
tearful hearts of light,
neverending. ~
Copyright © Regina Elliott | Year Posted 2024
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