Infusion

Date a cute boy in high school to butter you up,  
but in college find a mature guy with a brain.
Take him home to meet mom and dad
over dinner and a stiff glass of wine.

Date a cute boy in high school just to get by.  
Pick a good one for prom, your picture might make the paper.
In college: kiss a few girls to get it out of your system.
Parents keep telling you “you’re confused” and “it’s a phase, dear.”

Date a cute boy in high school: 
break up with him.
Be single for a while and go to prom with your best friend.
Experiment like a chemistry major in college.
Date a couple of nice girls and don’t be ashamed to bring them home.
Parents start warming up to the kind-hearted people you’re with –
less concerned with whether you’re on the fast track to marriage when they see
you smile – genuinely – for the first time in years –
encouraging you to invite your girlfriend to more family gatherings.
Mom tells grandma to get over herself.
Sister defends you at school when people call you “dyke,” and before you know it
Father is at the wharf telling the other fishermen that people can love
whoever the hell they want.

My story isn’t black and white, I’m infused
with colour.