don’t ask, don’t tell

"you're fighting for freedom!" they say

so why is it

that they had to censor themselves

that they could kill for others

but couldn't live their truth?

how is murder honorable,

how is bloodshed glorious

but kissing the one you love

is disgraceful?

bash them over the head

with the butt of your gun or the bible

but don't caress your lover's cheek

because it hurts our image

be proud of your suffering

but never of your joy

take solace in the comfort of other men,

but not in that way.

keep quiet or the finger of your fellows

might "accidentally" slip on the triggers

of their guns

live in fear not because of a foreign threat,

but because being who you are is a crime

the only thing they died for

is freedom to oppress

i remember