GAY – (for my dear friend James)

GAY – (for my dear friend James)

There wasn't any other way
I told you dad, that I was gay
I knew you'd freak, I knew you pray
It’s not your fault, I was born this way

I know your anger questioned why
I know I made my mother cry
But I couldn't carry on the lies
With heterosexual alibis

You said it was a sad, sad day
Your family values gone astray
I couldn't, wouldn't try to obey
Your wish, I’d chose a different way

Still;

I'm glad you came to visit me
The sight of me makes most folk flee
There’s still no cure, there is no key
It won't be long we’ll both be free

You said I was looking pale and gaunt
You seemed concerned, you didn't taunt
But I'm still the secret you wouldn't flaunt
The forgotten son you didn't want

And now deaths chorus serenades
Tell no one it was really AIDS
A quiet wake, no large parades
A father's shame finally erased