Countless Angels

A Reflection by Jonathan Shuffield For

Nex Benedict and all we have lost

You look at me with sideways glances You do not dare to stare At the loud and queer eyed fellow So bound in uncomfortable despair

“But you did not even know them, They were not yours to grieve Why so burdened by this loss Your tears they flow so free”

Every human grown or child Struck down with someone’s hate Is a tragedy for grieving An indictment on our fate

I do not need to know them For they all are part of me Their hopes and dreams and burdens Our human family tree

I’ve walked inside their footprints I’ve fought with all my might For us to remember we all are mortals Bound together by our light

I fear those in the darkness The ones who’ve lost their way They can’t see their very children Are the ones they choose to slay So I stand in my queer defiance I proudly state my name For those who cannot join me You will not be lost in vain

We are HERE, We ARE Queer We refuse to Disappear It’s a mantra forced upon us Don’t pretend this is not clear

So please keep your prayers and wishes They are empty in their lack We will scream until you hear us We want our people back

Don’t say “this cannot happen” These lies no longer stand We are losing countless angels While their blood drips from our hands