Home Of An Outlier

What is home to a lonesome queer

whose only stability was rejection and fear?

It’s not the four walls of childhood and youth

for those were overrun by neglect and abuse.

Home is a conflict and one undefined

that is easier to express by the thoughts of one’s mind.

It’s the sound of a laugh from the telling of a joke

or coughing up a cloud of fragrant green smoke.

The smell of hot peppers cooking on the stove

or a meal with chosen family after a hike through the grove.

A hug from a bestie that doesn’t let go

or loud music and lights from a dance club show.

It’s unbridled honesty, vulnerability in prose

or speaking your mind where anything goes.

Home is a comfort but one we create

for the life of an outlier isn’t a smooth sailing fate.