Relationships
Soul Bloom
The ink bloomed on her skin with such vibrancy it could be confused for true blossoms. Even in the soft light of a candle the brilliance was not diminished. Her shallow breathing told me she had slipped into sleep and my heavy eyes warned me that I was not far behind. I fought the pull of drowsiness however, eager to never waste a moment, particularly rare ones such as these. I loved her dearly in the waking hours, she contained more energy than a lake filled with coffee and a laugh that could wake the night. I even loved the sleepy afternoons when she mumbled whatever was rolling through her mind; but the moments of quiet, unfiltered, unedited ‘her’ were something else. Careful to not disturb her, but unable to resist, I traced the tiny garden displayed across her hip; tulip, gladiolus, rose, lavender. Each flower was beautifully hand picked, each represented a unique meaning for her. I traced circles around the marigold with a smile playing at my lips, it was possibly the brightest amongst the garden with its golden splendor. The marigold always made me think of her; vibrant, loud and giving - the perfect home for bees, and for me. Marigolds, like every flower, have a specific meaning and their meaning suited her beyond casual coincidence. It was as if she had bloomed with the first golden flourish before the world realised her splendor and plucked her from the ground. A beautiful curse, petals trapped in bones. A living reflection of warmth and joy. Everything has a shadow however and my personal understanding of the duality of the meaning of marigolds came from knowing her. They are also a symbol of jealousy, grief, and despair; all the colours I would paint myself with if she was ever taken from me. In the shadow of these thoughts an idea formed and I still wore the smile it brought me as I blew out the candle and sleep took me. I swear even in the darkness that flower glowed.
By Obsidian Words5 years ago in Pride
Two Sentences in Apartment 5C
“Are you seriously going to eat that?” Sasha was hunched over the retro-style refrigerator, long enough for the fridge light to go out. Her almond eyes were squeezed firmly shut as beads of sweat rolled from her temples to the bridge of her nose. Even for July, this Arizona heatwave was sickening. Her hand was holding a container of the last remaining item from last night’s takeout disaster: a slice of Double-Dutch Death By Chocolate Cake. They’d ordered in, from the same ridiculous diner where they’d met three years ago. This had become their default anniversary dinner. However, last night they bit off more than they could chew from this expensive hipster establishment built solely to separate the local private university’s enrollees from their parents’ allowances.
By Omotara James5 years ago in Pride
In a Moment
The click of a gas burner sounds through the open kitchen and the fire of azure and red-yellow hues springs to life adding warmth around the space. The clank of pots and pants being sifted through in a lower cupboard cut through the otherwise silent room. Delicate huffs of approval vocalize once the desired pot is found and set upon the heated stove with a muffled thud. Selene walks a few feet to the cupboard next to the fridge and pulls out the last remnants of semi-sweet chocolate morsels to heat and melt down. It’s supposed to give her dessert that extra chocolatey kick that would have even the most muted palates humming in appreciation. She pauses in appreciation of the enticing, bright packaging--it’s supposed to be the best in the market.
By Madelyne Velez5 years ago in Pride
Carrot Cake
Meredith always hated birthdays, she just didn't see the point in all the hubbub. She hadn't asked to be born after all and it certainly wasn't an achievement. Yet, here she was standing at the bakery counter picking up a chocolate cake for her own birthday. She didn't even like chocolate all that much but her mother had insisted on a party and had already paid for the cake.
By Savannah Rose Hannum5 years ago in Pride
Loving a gay soldier
I had just arrived back from five weeks of training exercises and had everything to put away. It was just past 2000 hours, 800pm for you civilian minded people. I received a call from my boyfriend Hans, wanting to talk, but my sergeant told him we weren't available yet. He said to tell him he wanted to see me tomorrow, which was fine with me as it had been five weeks since I last saw him, I couldn't wait. I called him and he said come over the next day when I got off duty and I did.
By Lawrence Edward Hinchee5 years ago in Pride
Happiness is Cake
Happiness is cake. Or so it is for one Millie Gonzales. Cake and her late abuelita, to be specific. She was blessed with her grandmother’s sweet tooth. They would spend countless blissful hours tinkering with recipes, licking batter off of spoons, and enjoying in the fruits (well, cakes) of their labor. Their shared passion for baking inspired Millie to want to share her happiness with others. She’ll never forget the tearful look her sweet abuelita gave her before pulling her into a fierce hug when she revealed the name of her shop: Rosa’s Bakery. It seemed only natural to name it after the woman who had supported her every step of the way. It was an exciting year watching her business gain traction and quickly become a local favorite. However, things took a turn when Rosa’s health started to rapidly decline last month.
By Ashley Gomez5 years ago in Pride
Many knew the cost
When I was growing up in the 1960's and 1970's as a gay boy we didn't have any role models to look too. I do apologize for the length of this post, I know it definitely will hit the 600 word mark. Most younger generation LGBTQ will ask why are so many people coming out in their fifties and sixties? Or as my first boyfriend said, I love you late bloomers. We had no one to look up too and if you read some of these examples listed below, you will understand why, starting with Mr. Rohrer. I, like Mr. Rohrer of the Dallas Cowboys had no positive role models. But Mr. Rohrer was told if he was gay, then it would destroy his football career. Jeffrey Charles Rohrer (born December 25, 1958) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Yale University and was drafted in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft. Early life and collegiate career
By Lawrence Edward Hinchee5 years ago in Pride
