Queer Colors

King Alexander had two colors for

His eyes, one blue, one brown.  His hair hung blond

In curls, blond gloss upon them.  To adore,

He chose his childhood friend.  From far beyond

Came sobbing.  Blond of royal hair spread wide

And crammed the world with sorrow and with tears

From reddened eyes, both blue and brown.  Bestride

His conquered world he sobbed.  He knew no fears

Until Hephaistion died.  Then everything

Filled up with fright; this king could never see

His man again.  In bed they could not sing.

The king’s black soul was now an amputee.

  The hues of yellow, orange and gold, of fire

    Destroyed the long-term lover on his pyre.

©  Phillip Whidden