Queer History by Ben Kline
Queer History
Ben KlineYour first name is never forever.
Lovers misremember you, thenyou misremember lovers, then
love becomes new namesweighing on your tongue.
A new tongue in the parkyou love after midnight,
oak leaves shrouding trunksyour bare back holds on to
every name you answer tountil your last death.
That death asks no names.But others with your names will
find their backs againstcarved hearts and initials,
love softening the bark.
KEEP READING
ENDNOTES
- This is Day 23 of The Sealey Challenge 2026—a community challenge to read one book of poetry a day for the month of August, named after Nicole Sealey.
- Explore other works in pursuit of: memory • love • transformation • Or browse the index
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