(after gwendolyn brooks)

for C

i used to think there were only two 

options for people like me, we who  

are foreign where we are local. are 

there other options than this? mostly     

death seemed preferable. then a good      

day became a good year. then: you. two    

become one or two linked or two who     

make the other more than whole. i have    

dreamed of you my entire life, lived   

with you as my one well of hope. their    

eyes track for a moment of our day;

let them keep the moment alone but 

not us. our love is not theirs to keep.    

they don’t see us—how you turned me on 

to being at home at home, putting     

my pride on my sleeve and our love on 

my soul. they say it can’t be done, their   

limits and ignorance worn like clothes.

you can always go home again, and            

happily; ignore their off-putting. 

darlin’, these are the things

that cannot be taken away.