Oswick Owen Myndell Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

So different was Oswick.
All of his life,
He struggled to be accepted.
He never looked the part he wished to play.
Those insensitive would laugh,
At the things he would say.
And called him everything!
From worthless without a purpose...
And masquerading as straight.
Although he was gay!
And he was 'everything' he chose to be!
Straight, gay or lesbian!
Some thought of Oswick as a novelty!
But he wasn't.
His feelings were deep.
Deeper than many.
Deep and sensitive...
Oswick grew to learn some had little if any,
Feelings at all.
No stranger to the streets.
Or to the elite who came to love him most.
And when Oswick was asked what he wanted to do...?
Oswick chose the heights of power.
The 'deities' listened!
They knew Oswick did not joke.
And they had hopes Oswick would choose that too!
This was no ordinary out of the woods tiger.
And his presence, would indeed, be felt!
So different was Oswick.
All of his life,
He struggled to be accepted.
He never looked the part he wished to play.
However...
The few who came to know him,
Began to see Oswick in their sleep!
Realizing...
When Oswick decided to play,
Oswick played for keeps!
Daring 'anyone' anywhere...
To play him cheap!
Oswick Owen Myndell.
Black.
And with a name like that?