Minority Report

The problem I have with so many minorities (race, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, etc) is when they play victims. You have a choice when marginalized to accept it and carry on the role of the minority, or deny it and live like everyone else. I know it's not that simple, but the second someone acts as the minority they have given the majority every right to treat them poorly. If you empower the majority by acknowledging your inferior status, then you will perpetuate the biases, the hate crimes, and the negative attitudes and prejudices. I understand that you should be proud of who you are, your heritage, your affiliations, your beliefs; however, an over-zealous acceptance and segregation of yourself based on these labels will only further your placement as the minority. Embrace it, but do not use it as a shelter. Please do not give in to someone else's will; you have to fight. Have honor and dignity--for yourself and your peers. You probably don't know it, but you are an example. Decide the type of man you want to be. It's the best advice I've ever received.

MASQUERADE

Late Bloom

With the first dose of spring the boys are out in full force--and frisky. Old flings are e-mailing, the eyes are cruising, and not even a date on my arm can keep them at bay. I'm practically beating them off with a stick. What is it about the spring time that gets them out of the woodwork? Just an observation; no Carrie puns.

"War should be illegal. It should be against the law!"

TUNNEL

What sick and twisted children decided it would be a good idea that when traveling through a tunnel you should hold your breath until you come out the other side? Seriously. Take a deep breath and try not to pass out.

boy poet speak

color

orange blossom
black oil
rose y sun

You wanna fuck with this?

Walking up 6th avenue around 20th street a man about my height squares me off bumping into me. My friend tells me to watch out; I think she means the guy about to walk into me. He's mumbling something about wanting to fuck with him...as in fight not sex. I side step around him and we cross the street. She immediately asks if I'm okay. What's wrong? He had a knife! Didn't you see it? I turn around and sure enough stranger is brandishing a knife and looking back at me. He keeps walking though, as do we. Mental note: don't tell mum. And, oh yeah, Happy Easter.

A little bit of shhh

Silence is under rated. There is something to be said about sitting quietly and still, seemingly impartial to the world around you. A contemplative state. Sense. Stoic.

America's Closet

With the buzz of Mrs. McGreevey's tell all you have to wonder why she's playing the same highly criticized publicity game the former governor did.

"When a gay man finally decides to come out to his wife, it's a moment he's prepared for, in some cases over the course of his entire life, but in all cases, he's worked up to it, he's had time to prepare for this new reality. In most cases, he's chosen the time and the place, he's rehearsed the scene many times in his head. Furthermore, he sees it as the beginning of a new life, a mentally healthier life (or so he hopes,) the pursuit of wholeness as a human being. He goes into it prepared and on his own terms."

Anyone who has come out of the closet, or wanting to come out, knows this statement is not true. Why do you think individuals stay in the closet? A largely homophobic culture here in America keeps them in the closet. Coming out of the closet is not a selfish act; it is very selfless. It may be planned and prepared, but only for those listening. The caveat, though, is how your actions are handled afterwards. At this point we see the tail spin in the McGreevey history. Hopefully her tell all takes a higher road...not just for people in the same situation, but for everyone. She has an amazing opportunity to show the strength of her character and the integrity of the American people.

IMAX: 300

Movie theaters are incredibly disconcerting. The first issue is the popcorn: munching, crunching, lip smacking. A close second are the crinkling candy wrappers--opening the package slowly does not make it quieter. Just do it. Also don't forget the straw adjustment and ice shuffle...slurp. Make it past this and the trolls and I think I might be able to actually listen to the movie dialogue. Braving all of these I went to see 300 on IMAX in Lincoln Square.

Let's be honest, 300's attraction is not the A-list cast or clever scripting; it's the cinematography. That's why it had to be seen on such a large screen. The refreshing and well-designed costumes, the SFX, and computer generations all combine into the editing of imagery that is breath-taking. I would go back for a second viewing, but not in the theater. And if you can't watch it on the big screen, what's the point?

Black and White

PRICE LE$$

I got on the train tonight about 8:10 PM. In his RDS uniform, he proceeds to ask me if I'm a cop and opens a cheap cigar. He carefully slices down one side with the corner of his metro card. Then, empties the tobacco onto the floor and carefully selects his leaf. He opens his courier bag, pulls out a whole bud, and begins to roll a fat joint.

What's going on? What's happening?

I had been drinking at a friend's birthday party. Vodka rocks. Wasted I begin my journey home. I meet two girls from the party--one of which is said friend's coworker--at 6th avenue and we take a cab to Union Square. Sigh. Oh shit I fell asleep on the train again. I'm alone on the car. I'm laying across the seats with my feet propped up. I sit up. It is snowing outside. I'm not in Manhattan. Lots of snow. Blowing. Okay and we're not moving. Where am I? I see a sign for Coney Island. I'm in the rail yard. Lovely. Good thing I have my flask with me.

boy poet speak

red river

want ing it here
in my vein s
slip ing through paradise

Street Bum

walking. walking. walking. walking. stop. cross. crossing. crossing. cross. cross. crossing. walking. turn left. wait. okay. walking. cross. cross. cross. walking. crossing. cross. crossing. cross. crossing. walk. bright light. crossing. cross. bright lights. walking now. walking. walk. bright lights. bright. lights. walking. door. wait. waiting. waiting. waiting. no. close. doors close. doors. close. smoking. cigarette. smoking. no. turn. walking. smoking. walk. walk. walking. hi. walking. walk. stop. smoking. smoke. cigarette. yes. cigarette. cigarette. yes. matches. matches. take. all. matches. all matches. gone. smoking. joking. joke. laugh. smoke. joking. joking. joking. smoking. joking. laughing. joking. smoking. joking. doors. open. opening. doors. open. friends. back. smoking. laughing. smoke. leave. smoking. friends. walking. leaving. matches. grab. smoking. take. matches. mine. grabbing. matches. smoking. walking. walk. walk. smoking. walk. smoke. walking. walking. smoking. walking. stop. crossing.