lorinda's Letters
You wish to be small
Slight and petite
Not round like a ball
Atop two chubby feet
You want to fit in
With those in your school
To be popular, thin
Not solely uncool
Why can’t you be skinny
Like others your grade
Dress in skirts mini-
Not big and homemade
But hold it, I say
To big little you
Soon comes the day
Adolescence is through
At age t…read more
I find my peace in pieces
A little here and there
Chaos never ceases
Peace is often rare
But,
I feel it in raindrops
Dry, falling leaves
Carefree belly flops
A humorous sneeze
In,
Pine needle covered trails
A brilliant sunrise
Stylish manicured nails
Crisp sweet potato fries
At,
Book clubs with friends
Pride parades in June
Multicolored…read more
I pulled on a pair of runners, tied up the laces tight
Lined up behind the racers, hoping to keep out of sight
Two minutes in, I struggled for breath, fearing I would meet my death
I pushed forward despite my pain, dodging blowing northwest rain
With every puddle I side-stepped, I grew stronger, more confident
For the moment I was simply me, not a…read more
In this chapter of becoming me
My idea of who I want to be
Has evolved as a result of life
Experience in both love and strife
I find seldom is there black and white
Or simply wrong or completely right
But rather in this world of gray
We must live in our authentic way
Today I’m proud to say I’m queer
I’ll shout it out both far and near…read more
Don’t Give Up, It’s a Lie
I’ll tell you a story. Four years ago, I sat at the end of my chair at seven at night. I was tired, no exhausted, desperate, fearful, and as hopeless as I have ever felt in this false world, I built around me and played a make-believe character in, and I knew. I don’t know how I hadn’t known before. Maybe I had. Maybe I h…read more
Perfectly Equal
Once upon a perfect day
All were equal in every way
Not color nor gender
Did prevent the render
Of kindness and care
Bestowed on everyone everywhere
In fact, all differences at hand
We celebrated in fashion most grand
And an impenetrable sphere
Protecting both straight and queer
And those dark skinned and light
Surrounded…read more
My dear Lorinda, here’s to you
Some words of praise I feel you’re due
Too often quick to criticize
Much less likely to emphasize
The abundance of kindness, love, and grace
You thoughtfully grant those in your space
And opposite your gentle side
You’re a lioness who protects her pride
With fearless strength and fortitude
You don’t back down fr…read more
Voting ends on May 16, 2024 12:00am
2023
So much happened to me
In this year of twenty, twenty-three.
I got new hips for which to run
Each morning, each day, rain, or sun.
An essay of mine was published in a book.
I’m still quite sure I don’t like to cook.
My father’s progressed illness made me see
How unbelievably fragile this life can be.
Miss Mollie my sweet yorki…read more
Voting ends on December 4, 2024 12:00am
Parade participants dance and gyrate.
Snaking down the glittery rainbow street.
While drag queen’s sashay perfectly straight
Atop outrageously high heels, an incredible feat.
My eyes dart wildly from side to side.
Taking in ample amounts of bare skin
Of people unconcerned with a need to hide.
Of strangers marching closer than kin.
I breathe in t…read more