On Being Who You Are

New rhyme, new lyric, an old melody Michael, not the archangel, sat across from me At table and spoke about his new outlook On life, a sudden leap into conversion (I took Him to mean) , that confusion in his addled brain Had allowed family, friends, others to subtly gain Control over his innate inclination to be gay Asking, "And what do you think Jesus would say? Almost incoherently, in tears, his soulful eyes fell "I am so afraid of dying and going to hell! " "If you should be punished forever, seems to me, For not being who you were always meant to be Is the grossest miscarriage of justice, my friend. Here is the best advice I have to lend: Self-denial is the pathway to hell on this earth So, be true to yourself, and believe in your worth." TENTH PLACE WINNER Brian Strand's "Your Choice Contest" Poetry Soup