Healing Through Queerness
By Ren Workman
Woman?
It confuses me
more than you know
how your version of
“woman”
is so specific
and exclusionary,
yet somehow
includes
me.
Combination
My life
is a
combination
of unfinished
projects
& love
not because
I am not
persistent
but because
I will never
be
done.
Validation
Through the eyes of depression
the world is at a pause
while also in fast-forward & rewind.
Sometimes I sit and look,
but don’t actually see.
I don’t feel the cold
until my fingers are numb.
I forget what I’m doing
because I’ve lost sight
of the purpose.
I take each step
in simultaneous
pain & numbness.
“You are depressed,”
she said with hurt in her eyes.
“Thank you,” I replied.
Validation at last.
Slow
I am getting better
at walking more slowly
because why rush
a beautiful morning?
Tea with honey
in my hand
and toes and feet
in the sand.
I’m getting better
at walking more slowly
these moments alone
yet never lonely
I feel
With each sip
of this ginger tea
I recognize the
strength against
my tongue.
I feel the brim
of the mug on
my chapped lips.
I feel.
I feel.
I feel.
Community, healer
They say that time
is the greatest healer—
Sure.
This pain
has lessened
with
time.
But the piece you’ll see—
the true salve—
is community.
People honoring you
with the words
I
see
you.
You
belong
here.
Your
Neurodivergence
Transness
Queerness
Sadness
Joy
Persistence
Solitude
are welcome
here.
Ren Workman (they/ them) is a lover of all small things, both tangible (acorns) and not (words). Living now in Massachusetts, Ren is so grateful for their roots in Northern NY, especially people like Dr. Lee and others who showed them that being themselves was possible. While still in high school, Ren participated in SUNY Canton's distance learning program, completing several courses between 2012-2014.