I’m Gay—Queer, While Holding a Faggot
or:
I’m Happy—Weird, While Holding a Bundle of Sticks

I understand that queer is weird,
But words are not to be feared!
I believe that to be gay means happy.
Like a slapstick laugh to sticks that slappy!
I don’t give a shmothers,
how these are perceived by others!
I define the words I use—their my tricks,
and faggot is a bundle of sticks.

Though I believe in Europe, or England,
(Europe Shmeurope, England Shmengland!)
and maybe in the U.S. too,
(Not that I care, but in case you do.)
I might be charged with a hate crime
(If they ignore my defense of linguistic rhyme),
if I say I’m going to get a faggot to put on the fire,
but I make my point and before I retire—
I remind, It matters more, not how words are defined,
but how the user perceives their meaning. Remember: Be kind.

This is queer poetics: The bending of language, reclaiming slurs, and destabilizing “normal” usage as an act of queer resistance like a manifesto in miniature—humorous, defiant, and deeply aware of how words live multiple lives.

Language is about context rather than fixed definition. You can call this poem nonsense verse, you can say it is invented idioms, call it social commentary, humor with wordplay, or argue it is a reclamation and reframing of definitions, but you cannot deny, except through chosen ignorance, the tension between linguistic history and modern legal and social frameworks. It’s not just about linguistic cleverness—it’s about responsibility in how one chooses to interpret words, not just by how one perceives them, but instead how one intends them to be perceived. It is not my responsibility how you choose to perceive meaning. It is your responsibility to gain understanding without assumption.

To delve deeper let’s consider the “bundle of sticks” metaphor. Sticks can be fuel, structure, or even weapons—mirroring how words can nurture or harm. Consider how silly once meant blessed, and awful once meant awe-inspiring. Be Kind (that phrase alone has dual meanings). Stop and consider—Your view, even if it is correct, is not the only correct view.