These are my long effeminate arms with which I salute you, manUnkind; my fingers are indicative

of friendliness, caressive;

my limp wrists could dabble in politics;

my handshake firm, secure,

thoroughly suggestive.

I slip in-and-out of crowds unnoticed except for the long

effeminate arms which dangle

at my supple sides.

On the third finger of my left hand

I shall proudly wear the ring

of homosexuality

that it may band

me as a brother

in that mystic order

of brotherhood.

The rites are love-rites;

the ordination: self-acceptance;

the benediction is beyond normal

wear and tear of patience.

Divine is the power of delicate hands. Only tender hands of forgiveness

may be so loving. Kindness

is within the bounds of my jurisdiction.

Let me wear my hands with grace and soft you will find my touch upon your face. Consciously aware of the presence of a stigma: I find the extensions like a wart: effeminately gened upon me.

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