Nail Polish: ‘I try to dodge the bullets of homophobic stereotypes’

I try to barricade all the anger I feel,
and replace it with obedient submission instead,
As the floodgates of emotions slowly break inside my head.
I try to dodge the bullets of homophobic stereotypes towards my life,
but instead I get hit, repeatedly, like they just stabbed me with a knife.

It's not normal they say...
as they take my peace and my zen away.
What will others think? 'What!? Are you gay?'

The pain slowly takes over, and I cry one million tears,
All of this hurt destroys me, and it brings up all of my fears.
I drown a thousand times with all the shit I've been told,
I wonder "if I was younger would they leave me alone?"

I'm panicking so much I don't know what to say,
I scream into the stars… and then I awake.
I look at my son and answer his question without fail
"No kiddo, you don't have to be gay to paint your nails."