The Feminine Boys

For my brother, Peter, and for Rob

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So this is where they are—

the feminine boys of our high schools:

the thin-limbed Jims and Roberts,

who nervously scanned crowded cafeterias

for safety that was hard to find;

the chubby Tommys and Joes,

helpless, when wide-shouldered gym teachers

shouted, “Shirts!” and “Skins!”

The feminine boys of our high schools survived:

Moultonborough, Hudsonville, Franklin—

every intolerant town. And now look!

They are here, this is where they live,

thriving by a turquoise pool in Florida

with colorful swim suits and moisturized tans;

their soft hands—like alighted birds—

waving in tropical air, regaling antics, and folly, and fun.

Just look at them all! The feminine boys of our high schools—

why, they are beautiful men. Fulfilled. And loved. 

They cannot stop. They cannot stop laughing.

 Kate Young Wilder