I am a cis-gendered gay man who came out at the age of 47, roughly three years ago. Poetry became an emotional outlet as I struggled with depression and the inevitable dissolution of my previously “heteronormative” life over the course of that time. Spontaneously writing poetry whenever and wherever the inspiration hit was highly effective therapy in helping manage my feelings of loss, fear, love, and hope. Until now, I have only shared these poems with my closest friends and family. Now, I share them with you.

““Do or do not. There is no try”-Yoda”