It’s a universal right for
each forsaken human being
to hear stories about people
thriving in all different ways
coming from all start conditions
of biology, class, gender,
culture, ethnic groups, geogra-
phy, the list goes on for days
and we can’t predict which stories
will connect to which small humans
but connection to a tale of
thriving we need to impart,
because remedying hopelessness
is both complex and simple:
everybody needs a vision
they can hold inside their heart.
For a swan and ugly duckling
aren’t the same thing – you might think so –
but the consciousness a swan has
but the duckling lacks is key
ugly ducklings live out stories
they can’t find a way to thrive in
but that changes when they learn of
swans and think “that could be me”
But if we allow one parent
to prevent their kid from hearing
stories that might give that kid hope
we are party to abuse.
Queer folx never had a chance to
thrive as straight; that’s not an option,
we can move from doomed to thriving
when new scripts are introduced.
In the story of creation
God gave Adam the decision
out of all created beings
just what preference he would voice.
For the Holy One presented
him with tapeworms, goats, and llamas
as potential life companions
And God left it Adam’s choice.
And the Earthling formed in Eden
chose the woman as his life mate
but to focus on the details
of that one’s mans choice seems strange
For existence precedes essence
and we all must build a meaning
for each life’s a different pattern
that each person must arrange.
So yes it is exposure
to queer stories that transform us
but it’s only the right stories
for each person that will do.
When we’re hopeless undead zombies
plodding through life without vision
the right image might ignite a
spark of hope in me or you.
My heart goes out to the queer kids
‘cause I wish I’d found that vision
long before the years it took me
but this need goes far beyond.
Everybody needs a vision
of just what a life of purpose
could be shaped like in their context.
And to that we must respond.
The right stories for each person
can unlock the hope within us.
If we try to live the wrong ones
there’s a lot that can destroy.
Our creator longs for us to
find the fullness of our being
Called to life and life abundant
Called to love and hope and joy.
Gracious living will look different
as each separate person finds it
but the object of our learning
is to find a way to thrive
When we latch on to the stories
that at long last are the right fit
we’ll unlock our maker’s purpose
for us, finally alive
