As it happens, I suppose
I am not gay, if it matters at all
And hold almost secret and certainly close
Each memory of you - knowing some
We share and some to me
Are singular, like those Joni Mitchell songs
I am better at singing
As you have guessed for sure
Your webs of poetry and lyric song
Still raise me to tears and reduce my heart
At least when you are on top of your game
And provide a pitch on which I can sing
Filled by your inspiration, to the brim
As it will surely be kept under wraps
I am not shy to tell you, here and now
How the kiss most dreamed of and remembered
Among the miles of smooth-cheeked kisses I've known
Was given and received in surprise
Between us in the guise of college men
Well let me thank you for all the women
You saved and stole from me, even marrying one -
So kind of you to take that load!
And if I ever crossed a movable line
I was proud to be your Jonathan. Besides,
Close friends hold hands in Africa
As now we run to catch the times
Your children grown and mine still young
I am less afraid to know my longings
To love you and be loved.
And as it all turned out, apparently
I was not gay but glad to say -
Simply, I am just a man
Who loved and loves you, many ways.
Frank Bana
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/as-it-happens/
