Feb 23, 2024

in imageIve forgiven the teacher who let me fend off my
bully alone, even if I can trace Nex's death to him
too. I'll even forgive the 3 children in that bathroom
who just ruined their lives. I don't have time for
them today. I'd rather remember my other teacher.
The "bachelor" who read us poetry. Who, thinking
he was alone in the classroom one day, got into a
sweet argument on the phone with his "roommate"
about what couch to buy. How he whispered "We
can talk about it when I get home?" Who pulled me
aside atter my grandfather died to say "Crying is
not a weakness.'
Nex's death sits in our tummy next to memories of
child violence. Maybe this will spark some change.
America needs sweet-faced sacrificial lambs to
care about Queers. Ask Matthew Shepard's ghost.
As we struggle through rage and numbness,
remember a teacher who helped you survive.
Thank them in your mind.
War should make us grateful as well as angry.
2/2
Leo Herrera
@herreraimages