KarMel Scholarship 2005
|
Best Poem “Never Going Back” By
Justin Carlton - CO |
Desciption of Submission: “This poem is about the feeling of
liberation that comes from coming out of the closet. I have been out for three years now, and I do
not regret it. This poem is about the
vindication of that “era” of my life. It
is about the happiness I get from simply being ME, as
opposed to being the “me” I was “Supposed” to be. I will never go back to hating myself as I
did when I was in the closet. Now I have
a closer relationship with my family, my friends, and a loving boyfriend. I could not ever have asked for more. I could never have had such happiness had I
not come out of the closet, hence the title, “Never Going Back.” I will never go back.” - Justin
Why Karen and Melody Liked
It: We liked and totally agree
with coming out of the closet and never going back. A good statement.
I’m never going back
Not ever.
Not ever going to that horrible place
You know of what I speak
That place
That place of utter loneliness
Of self-loathing
The kind that permeates every part of my being
Looking out into the world with hate-stained eyes
I’m never going back
Not ever.
That black place, that black world
I’m free now
I’m me now
I’m out now
I don’t hate myself, not anymore
I’m proud
I’m happy
I’m gay
It’s possible to breathe now
It’s fresh, the air outside the closet
I wish everyone to know it
All of my gay brethren
The fresh air of love and acceptance
Of tolerance. Of happiness
I want them to know the love of their love
The love of someone
The happiness that comes
From having loving parents
From having loving siblings
From having loving friends
From having a loving lover
No, I’m not ever going back
Never going back
Never looking back
I shall only look ahead
To hope
To love
To happiness
Now I’m free