Fingerprints
Journey’s taken and stories untold
I stand, the house before me
I grew up here
My life unfolded here; I came out here
It is the same but different
I trace my fingerprint, touching the fear and shame
It remains on the house. My life and DNA still there; fading but always there
Tears well for a life that is gone
Tears well for my life now
Peel back the pain and there is happiness underneath
Bubbling to the surface amongst the tears
Mourning the life not chosen, one of different possibilities
But my fingerprints glow elsewhere now
New markings, new life, new purpose
Shedding queer shame; slowly I have found my place
Fingerprints fade but never vanish
I look for new places, new fingerprints, new life
I turn away, maybe never to return
New reasons to leave fingerprints on life
