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. ~