Before relatives came,
They set to
“Straightening” up the house.
All the toys, pulleys, harnesses,
Leather and latex launched
Hastily into the wardrobe.
The professor and the lawyer,
Do a dance of femininity,
And lady-up for the family.
The one more familiar with lipstick,
Does makeup duties for the two of them,
But there’s no way this legal powerhouse
Will ever look comfortable in a dress.
It’s better to stick with khakis
And a nice pullover.
No one is obtuse enough
To fall for this rapid ruse,
But maybe this family
Is just polite enough
To keep a dawning recognition
Silent for one more year,
Putting off the magnanimity
Of acceptance a bit longer,
With the understanding
That there is always more time.
There will always be another
Chance to say,
“I know who you are,
And I love you.”