The words come out with such force
that I can see the vitriol
spewing forth like spittle.
You imagine that this hurts
but I have been queer for so long
that I know how reclaiming works.
It’s no different than dyke, or faggot,
just another word for what I am
dipped in the acid of your bigotry.
And I bear it as a badge of honor
for it tells me, not what I am,
but what you are.