That Night

I'll never forget that night...

I was having the best time with my friend over a pitcher.

I saw the way you looked at me...

I felt it, too.

When we left the bar, you grabbed me in a headlock.  You growled in my ear... faggot.

It was so much more than the words... I felt your breath in my ear...  I heard the catch in your voice...

I heard you weep.

Still, you pushed my head into the wall.

I fell to the ground and felt your foot connect with my ribs and head.

I can remember that the bar refused to call the police.

I remember the long walk home... bloodied and scared.

I had to wake my wife and tell her what had happened. Please, God, let her miss the blood.

I'll never forget that night...

I'll never wear that stained shirt again.

I'll never forget the police telling me that "It was just a gay bashing."

You made me look over my shoulder everywhere I went after that.

You made me retreat.

You made me wish like hell that you remembered me the next time you held a man in your arms.

I'll never forget that night.