21st Century Problems: Surrogate Father Appreciation Day Part 2 (#19) (Louis Toliver Jr-Lafayette, LA)

“Okay, so you two ready!” Mrs. Nunns nudged Ben and I as we stood backstage in on the stage of the cafeteria. Yes, the cafeteria and the ceremony stage were one and the same. “What are you, father and son, going to perform,” Nunns sniffed my neck. I’m not sure why. I looked at Ben who was looking at me confused. “You look kind of young to be Ben’s father actually,” Nunns added. Before I could responded I heard, “Trey?” Terri walked up to me holding the hand of a woman, I guess it was his new girlfriend. “Who’s Trey?” Nunns looked at me. “He is,” Terri insisted. Nunns looked at me kind like a nun actually. I replied, “In the streets, people call me Trey.” “And who are you,” asked Nunns to Terri. “I’m his ex-boyfriend. I prefer women now.” This seemed to be turning into a confusing conversation because I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. For some reason every major issue I have had recently experienced was in Richard E. Nixon Junior High School, at this moment. I wondered if this was symbolic of American history but then I realized I knew about American history and that because this moment in my life was so uncomfortable I was begging for my A.D.D. to kick in. “You’re a man?” Nunns asked. “I am. I am pre-op for now.” Terri added. “This is my girlfriend, Sophie. Her daughter goes here.” Terri looked at me and smiled. I didn’t smile back. I wanted run. “So, Ben,” I whispered to him as I looked down. I don’t he was pay attention. But, we had to get the hell out this situation. “What does pre-op mean. I’m sorry,” Nunns blinked her eyes and you could tell her brain was not ready to process what was about to be revealed. “I’m trangender,” Terri said confidently. “You’re like gay?” Nunns asked. “No. I am a bisexual man.” Terri looked over at me and I shook my head, because Terri broke up with me and he was thinking I had his back? Exes are cruel. No way. At this point, I needed a moment to think, because Ben and I had to perform some kinda talent soon.

Comments

Ash Wednesday (Brian Falcon - New Orleans, LA)

It’s forgettable- the number of times I was called a “fucking faggot” as a kid. As a former child of god, I wasn’t expected to know what those words meant. I was taught that repentance was vital to achieving everlasting life. My momma made me go to church every Sunday. I said my prayers as I was told. But I eventually learned that Catholicism was never my sanctuary. Christianity was never my safe-haven. God never stopped the cheap shots. He never once prevented the harassment or pure embarrassment that I felt from the words of my “kin in Christ.” Now, picture me- a helpless faggot, blinded by the incandescent lights of an old catholic church. I was home from college spending Spring Break in my former hellscape. So, naturally, my momma yet again made me go to church. This time, on a Wednesday. It was Ash Wednesday. When I was among the folks from home, I felt out of place. So much that I’d imagine camouflaging myself. Like saber-tooth in hiding. But the difference? I had a far mo...

Louisiana Words Remembers Jorge Arturo

There’s nothing that hurts more than when we lose someone from our Louisiana Words family. But, the beauty of our writing movement is that the words of our loved ones live on with us. On June 20th, 2023, Louisiana Words Allstar, Jorge Arturo, moved on from this world leaving our hearts broken. He was a charismatic and talented human being. Jorge resided in New Orleans, LA and had been active on Louisiana Words for over a year. To honor Jorge’s life and work, we will be sharing his writing and live performances all Summer 2023. Please help keep his spirit alive by sharing his work. We know that Jorge’s words will connect with our readers and we hope to keep his spirit alive. Jorge’s first submission: “The Dog Show” debuted on February 6th, 2022 and is his most successful piece to date. In 2022, Jorge spent 10 weeks in the top with “The Dog Show,” “Weavers,” “They Say Love Kills, This Time It Really Did,” and “If Hell is Real, It Looks Like an Airport.” His la...

Nobody Said There'd Be a Day Like This (Sam Ray - New Orleans, LA)

I know how this should be: I've seen it, you see, In soap operas, Movies. Your eyes are closed, As if in sleep. Perfect peachy skin Atop a snow white pillow Under flawlessly matched sheets. The heart monitor, Quiet bleeps. The ventilator, A steady hiss. None of that is this. Your eyes Stuck open Seeing without sight Yellow sclera Dumb tears streaming. Tubes, taped to your face Delicate skin torn Where nurses Repositioned them To feed you To heal you You never liked being told What to do. Your whole torso spasms Spastic, Every 40 seconds. A machine Forces your lungs to act. Your hands are warm From hemodialysis But don't respond When we each grab one Give it a kiss. We spend the day Brushing your hair Telling stories Singing songs. Praying prayers. You're not there. Hospital staff Are more lovely If less pretty Than on TV. When the time comes They gently walk us From the room Close the curtai...

Search This Blog