Bark

In verdant green and dappled sun, a boy

alone, at peace: a book and just the woods.

No fists or barbs, just wind, he finds his joy

away from places he’s misunderstood.

Adults argue – escape from them he should:

voices wonder whether he should be feared.

Tree sentinels, a citadel, withstood

the imprecations: why must he be queer?

Malice manifests a maternal sneer

and blames the child for every worldly grief.

No doubts of self, just honest truth adhered

when held in trust, unjudged by stone and leaf.

Convinced his life was doomed to ill intent,

he willingly embraces the descent.

Christopher Capri (he/him) is a poet and fiction author whose work focuses on the experiences of his LGBTQ+ community; while completing an MFA in Poetry at Lindenwood University, he is a Fiber Artist and educator, Editorial Board Member of Cicada Creative Magazine, and member of Worcester Writers’ Collective. Find out more at christophications.com.