Pride Undefined

ashes smooth over fingerprint pads
gray prints smudge a rough brick wall
memorial and boundary

hands seek to grasp my spirit as I rise
codependent cries of agony
blinded as I unleash illumination

at times smell of concrete, ozone
transports me to a weed-choked sandlot
land of vulgarity and desperation

to psychic leashes I apply titanic strength
no poisoned view shall taint my inner light
as I diffract a rainbow to the world

“gay” has so oft been used against me
in disingenuous condescension disguised
as concern, that I in turn disdain identity altogether

alchemy turns dim vision to golden light
love is love, a reverberation of hearts that shines
to show the emotional paucity in sneers

standing I say I shall not fear where there is love
I will not guard my heart with your vicarious shame
I embrace pride beyond that vulgar paradigm