Page 59 of I Can't Even Think Straight

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when I asked you,” Jyoti says to me.

I wanna correct Jyoti and remind her

that it was Matt who said that, not me,

but I can’t be bothered with pedantry.

“Jyoti, it wasn’t your place to speculate

about my sexuality

before I was ready to come out.

But, yes, I’m gay

and I don’t care who knows.

I hope that clears up

any confusion you’re feeling.”

“So, you’re gay but Matt isn’t?” asks Jyoti.

The Boys and I all turn to Matt

to let him speak for himself.

“Yeah, that’s right,” says Matt.

“So now you’ve got your facts straight,

is there anything else

we can help you with today?”

Jyoti’s mouth hangs open before

she catches herself and closes it.

She scans our group;

her shoulders drop.

She shakes her head,

turns and walks away.

“Is there anything else

we can help you with today?”

Kwesi parrots Matt

and pats him on the back.

The rest of The Boys

explode with laughter.

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