The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

My dear friend Brian, who came out to me over 22 years ago and was disowned by his parents after sharing with them who he was, recently passed away. Regardless of what his parents and their sympathizers want others to think, I will not be fooled, and wrote a poem titled "BeLIEve" to share my thoughts and feelings on the matter. In response, I received this comment: - "That's poignant and very well said." The poem can be read here. - https://thekind-heartedsmartaleck.blogspot.com/2011/08/blood-before-principle-poem-i-just.html

Sadly, my dear friend of over a quarter century, Brian, passed away a month ago. I've been trying to reflect and make sense of things since that time. One such reflection was a blog I wrote shortly after his passing, titled, "RIP Brian." I recently received this comment on it: - "Your article was heartfelt and honest and I’m glad you wrote it. As a side note, you’re not alone. You’re not alone in wanting the truth and you’re not alone in spreading the truth." The piece can be read here. - https://thekind-heartedsmartaleck.blogspot.com/2023/01/rip-brian.html

Over 11 years ago my friend Brian, who had come out 11 years prior and been disowned by his parents as a result, came to me with depressive and suicidal thoughts due to said rejection. Feeling helpless, I wrote this poem for him, in an attempt to help him see he wasn't alone. While he said it helped him at the time, he unfortunately passed last month. I recently received the following comment on the aforementioned poem, titled "Blood Before Principle": - "That was both beautiful and heartbreaking." The poem can be found here. - https://thekind-heartedsmartaleck.blogspot.com/2011/08/blood-before-principle-poem-i-just.html

"Be LIE ve" Doors locked Windows closed Shades drawn Lights out   Ears plugged Shades worn Lips still Eyes closed   Hearts worn Minds closed Lies drawn Souls gone   No matter the shade No matter the combination The light will shine through And unlock your safe   Your denial may be strong The gullible may believe But truth can’t be hidden The blind can even see   Guilt gnawing at your core Flashbacks on a loop No matter how much you run The truth will follow you