satu

Digging through some of my things
I found an autographed novel I gave as a present
To the one I will call my first lover:
He had no use for it

I was reading Essex Hemphill
And watching Marlon Riggs
He was reading Handjobs
And watching Judy Tenuta

I took him from Manhattan Valley
To the University of Pennsylvania
To hear Essex recite
And to confront bi-sexuals

He went to Harvard University
And took me to The Pleasure Chest
Just to look:
But for the ideas of fantasy

Now fifteen years have gone by
And finally I have someone
Who might cherish this gift
The autographed words of wisdom

Of a man not long for this world
Who took the time to speak
To impetuous youth
Back on April 29, 1992

I have someone who will
Understand why I present a compilation
Autographed to someone else
From a man dying of AIDS

I have someone who just might
Read Essex' words of wisdom:
"Take Care of Your Blessing's"
And know this comes from the edge of eternity