I know what it was like to feel the fear
and do it anyway.
I know what it was like to say too much
and omit all the details.
I know what it was like to kiss in public
as an act of defiance.
I know what it was like to see how boys
labored to become girls.
I know what it was like to never know if
I’d see my best friend again.
I know what it was like around Little
West 12th Street.
I know what it was like to love someone
more than they loved me.
I know what it was like to piss money
away on other people’s drinks.
I know what it was like when a lover
said he just tested positive.
I know what it was like when I quit
the scene before the scene quit me.
I know what it was like to finally
be able to let it all go.
I know what it is like to witness
the instant replay.
I know what it is to know what
you did in the 80’s.
