Homage to a Drag Queen 

Love is love on my Valentine’s stationary.

It’s not cliche, today

Pride is more acceptance.

You no longer closet your feelings,

celebrate coming out,

shout your homosexuality.

Today you can sparkle in glitter, not a quitter 

inside your cotton candy pink or lavender wigs.

Share your sexy long legs prettier, thinner 

than I ever could.

In classrooms as a man,

you teach in genuine empathy.

Allow autistic children to climb

beyond boundaries.

On stage as a woman,

spread love in performance 

from children’s theatre to

Long Island’s first Drag Queen show.

No one is left out by closeted minds

 when they meet you.

Gay isn’t just a happy feeling,

it’s spread like joy.

You are loved in both your personas.

Stay homophile and smile.

Never surprised to see you,

not straight but sold out 

in Drag Bingos or Brunches.

Not a queer hatred thought felt

finding you on the front cover of Newsday, 

headlining a Pride parade.

I know you inside and outside your high heels.

Ivy Stalls, you are golden so shine.

Keep filling this world with Peace, Love, and Rainbows.