the Pittsburgh International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

"homophobia is contagious & homosexuality is not!"

me, my, i all in lower case…
like the icon the fed me reason
rae, susan hayword in "back street"
the arist… the lover… my ideal—
a quiet artist, silent in the corner
sketching in shades of grey…
all eleven—manga or a portrait
or pen & ink with acrylic coloured eyes
on vibrant scrapbook paper
here i am… "touch me, see me, feel me—"
as the pin ball wizard would sing
in silent verses going unheard
can’t you hear my harmonies
against the womyn that influenced me
no GAY icon for me.
i was born too soon…
always a preemie
who lasts too long in a fuck
too eager, sucking the cream
from gods and man
rimming, rimming the eager rosebuds
i shot out of the closet at age 4 or 5
"i had a dream, grams
that i went off to a castle
with a knight
and made babies
living happily ever after."
"but two guy can not have babies, cammie."
"so we’ll adopt a japanese!"
a world traveler
a quiet artist quietly sketching
plucking the strings on my harp
singing silent harmonies
against the verge of life
the cries of life
that swallows you up
and spits you out
in--
lower case letters
c a m e r o n

sketches of DANTE 10-10-08

Bacchus's Vine, an Old English Poem

To Anacreon in Heav'n, where he sat in full glee,
A few Sons of Harmony sent a petition;
That he their Inspirer and Patron wou'd be;
When this answer arrived from the Jolly Old Grecian;
"Voice, Fiddle, and Flute,No longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name and inspire you to boot,
And besides I'll instruct you like me, to intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine.

"The news through Olympus immediately flew;
When Old Thunder pretended to give himself airs.
If these Mortals are suffered their scheme to pursue,
The Devil, a Goddess, will stay above stairs.
"Hark", Already they cry,"In transports of joy,
Away to the Sons of Anacreon we'll fly.
And besides I'll instruct you like me, to intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."

"The Yellow-Haired God and his nine lusty Maids,
From Helion's banks will incontinent flee,
Idalia will boast but of tenantless Shades,
And the bi-forked hill a mere desert will be.
My Thunder no fear on't,Shall soon do it's errand,
And damme I'll swing the Ringleaders I warrant,
I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to twine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine.

"Apollo rose up and said, "Pry'thee ne'er quarrel,
Good sing of the Gods with my Vot'ries below:
Your Thunder is useless"--then showing his laurel,
Cry'd "Sic evitable fulmen' you know!
Then over each head My laurels I'll spread
So my sons from your Crackers no mischief shall dread,
While snug in their clubroom, they jovially twine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine.

"Next Momus got up with his risible Phiz
And swore with Apollo he'd cheerfully join-
"The full tide of Harmony still shall be his,
But the Song, and the Catch, and the Laugh, shall be mine.
Then Jove be not jealousOf these honest fellows,
"Cry'd Jove, "We relent since the truth you now tell us;
And swear by Old Styx, that they long shall intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine.

"Ye Sons of Anacreon then join hand in hand;
Preserve Unanimity, Friendship, and Love!
'Tis yours to support what's so happily plann'd;
You've the sanction of Gods, and the Fiat of Jove.
While thus we agree,Our toast let it be:
"May our Club flourish Happy, United, and Free!
And long may the Sons of Anacreon intwine,
The Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's Vine."