If I Were a Man
How long until the world is better?
Would you kiss me if I were a man? Would you hold my hand in the sun on the street where all could see? Would you run your fingers through my hair as we sit on a bench in the park? Would you let me carry your books and open your door? Would you wear my ring if I were a man?
The sun on your hair quickens my heart, and I want to write poetry praising your eyes. Roses are red and your eyes are blue, and you are more beautiful than anyone I’ve known. And I will love thee still, my dear, when all the seas are dry.
Would you meet my eyes across a crowded room? Would your heart skip a beat? Would you dance with me? Would you let me tuck your hair behind your ear? Would you kiss me if I were a man?
Would you run into my arms in front of all your friends? Would you have me to dinner with your parents? Would you sit in my lap and kiss me? Would you marry me if I were a man?
How long until the world is better? How long until we no longer have to fear? How long will we wait? How long?
I would stand before God and all our family and friends with you. I would promise to love you forever. I would take you as my wife, to love, honour, and cherish for all the days of my life. I would dance with you in a white dress. I would live with you and love you forever. I would be yours. Would you be mine … if I were a man?
Esther learned to read when she was four years old, and began writing shortly thereafter. She is a queer Christian poet, crafting with words to create art and music.