Decorum
I do not owe my quiet to the comfort of cowards.
I was born with a throat for fire,
not silence.
They told me to shrink,
to wear softer colors,
to love in secret
and call it survival.
But I have kissed men in the daylight,
held hands in the South,
chose defiance over decorum,
and buried friends beneath flags
that should have crowned them kings.
I have been an outlaw, heretic,
the glitter in a clenched fist.
Bound by scripture and rope,
a mouth and a heart that will pray,
yet never for forgiveness I do not owe.
The world will try to shape you down
to something it can swallow —
let them choke.
I do not owe my quiet to the comfort of cowards.
Ink it where your pulse speaks loudest.
I was not built for smallness.
And neither were you.
About the Creator
Christopher Stiner
Prescriptions in Poetry. I've discovered a passion for writing and storytelling. I hope my writings can spark a meaningful conversations. Enjoy!
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Where's the Glory?
In breaking news, rehabilitated Republican Senator Johnnie Johnson (Pronouns: HE, HIM, HIS) called a press conference from the Men’s room of the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, Concourse B, across from the Ignatius Reilly’s Lucky Dog stand. The Senator had just returned from a sexual reorientation rehabilitation program in Memphis, TN after being publically disgraced at a Buckee’s Truckstop restroom soliciting sex from an undercover cop three months ago. He is a founding member of the Reformed Christians for Christ, a conservative, pro-family and ex-gay advocacy group. In the spirit of being reborn, Senator Johnson invited reporters to marvel at his plans for a major remodeling of airport bathrooms.
By Cathy Schieffelin6 days ago in Humor
Comments (27)
I like it, "I do not owe my quiet to the comfort of cowards". It reminds me of: "If we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember, that we are not descended from fearful men." Edward Murrow
a well deserved win. congrats!
This is beautiful! 🩵
passionate writing and great spirit! Congratulations!
Congrats! Amazing piece!
Congrats and live this piece from a person who was shut down to belient but now stands bold and loud in truth and justice 💚
Loved it and I am so glad you put this piece out
Beautiful! :)
BAM!!! This packed a powerful punch. Congratulations on your challenge win!
Wow! Absolutely fantastic. Much deserved congrats on your win. 👏👏👏
Oh my stars! This is manifested magnificence. Wow-wow-wow-wow-POW! Every line craft mastery. Well done in your win!
Awesome work, Christopher and killer line! Super congrats to you!!!
A well deserved win! Strong from beginning to end!
Wonderful poem, congratulations for a well deserved win! 🥇
I sometimes question the judging in these challenges, but this is a deserved winner. Congratulations.
I love the defiance of this and that self-knowledge which states "I'm not going to apologise for who I am". Congratulations.
Congratulations on your win!! 🏆 there were so many amazing lines in this piece. My favorites were “Bound by scripture and rope, a mouth and a heart that will pray, yet never for forgiveness I do not owe,” because our culture loves to glorify forgiveness, but makes no difference between that and being a doormat.
True fire! Congrats on your award, it’s well deserved
Empowering words! Congrats on your win!
Beautifully wrought poem. Congratulations!
Those words truly speak volumes. Congratulations on a very well deserved win.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
These words and your poetry overall is soul medicine. Thank you for writing such deep insights and sharing it with us all.
This is breathtaking! Very well done
Beautiful! Congratulations on first place!