Tom

Welcome to a story
Where there’s plenty to tell
About a boy named Tom
Who lived in hell
Tom had friends and fam
Not the boasting type
He lived so humble
And stayed out of sight
Tom was only fifteen
But he weathered some storms
Whether it was being gay
Or emotionally torn
Tom had his secret
That haunted him each day
His family would disown him
If they learned he was gay
Tom’s secret was sacred
A truth not to be told
He’d rather live in secrecy
Grow bitter and old
The fact is they hated gays
Any of those slightly off
His friends wouldn’t accept it
They’d only laugh and scoff
So late one night,
Tom ran away
“They hate me for who I am.”
He’d try to explain
“Off to the west!”
He profoundly exclaimed
Where they would
Surely accept his claim
What Tom didn’t know
Danger was lurking that night
Someone stood behind him
He went down without a fight
His service was set for Friday
As the family poured in
The scene was set beautifully
With haunting violins
Tom passed on
Holding onto those fears
That made him feel ashamed
For all fifteen years
Had he had been strong
He could have confessed
But instead he chose secrecy
And living depressed
It didn’t make sense
To see how Tom lived
So I wrote this story
To be absolutely positive
That nobody I know
Lives in fear and shame
If they only open their eyes
And see they’re not insane
Our friends and family love us
Til the day we die
After that, they still do,
But they’ve said goodbye
Our truths are honored
We’re accepted for who we are
If you’re living in secrecy
You don’t have to look far
For there’s always a friend
Who is willing to help
The only thing in the way
Is you caging yourself
Let it out and be proud
Don’t fight your very essence
If you would let yourself shine
They’d only see your brilliance
You’re beautiful as is
No warranty out there
Can ever replace you
To those who care