Tell Them

By: Portia Miller

Okay,
I’m going to tell them.
It’s been weighing on me for awhile.
Most of my friends know,
And they should know too.

But I’m scared.
So
So
Scared.

It twists my gut,
Making me feel sick most of the time.
I want to tell them.
But they might be disappointed.
They might kick me out of the house.
My brother might not talk to me.
(Not much of a tragedy, but still)
They might treat me differently.
No,
They will treat me differently.
I’m the same person,
Inside
And out
They won’t see it that way.
But I’ve got to to tell them.

I clear my throat,
Mom
Dad
I need to tell you something

They look at me,
faces expectant,
laughter lingering in their eyes.
I’m gay.