27 Comments
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V. Walker | Poet's avatar

A beautiful but heart-tearing tribute.

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Black Coffee Poetry's avatar

Thank you 🥹🥹😭

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Jenine Baines's avatar

What a powerful poem, Edward! A heartbreaking depiction of your uncle's life and your life as a young boy. I marched yesterday - April 5, Hands Off - to honor my father and uncles who fought for freedom (one uncle died) but I also fought for freedom to be who we are. For love and acceptance rather than hatred and judgement.

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Good on you for marching, Jenine.

I know you would’ve witnessed some shocking homophobia in America throughout your life. You’re a person who would never have tolerated it, and I thank you for that.

A true queen, my dear singing Septuagenarian ^_^.

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Debdutta Pal's avatar

This isn't a poem, I mean of course it is, but it's so much more.

I cried the first time, this one wasn't any different.

You are such a treasure. 🖤

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Edward Swafford's avatar

I love your digital face, dear Debdutta.

Thank you for reading it again, means the world to me.

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Elena's avatar

This one was very touching. Thank you for sharing. He shines through you, so very brightly!

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thank you, sweet Elena.

We look alike, I’ve seen photos of him when he was my age and it’s uncanny. I feel as though I’m living a life meant for him?

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

Aww man I remember the first time I read this my heart break. I feel so much for you, and wish the man who could have guided you stuck around, but the man you have become is no less at all. Love to you, my friend ❤️

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Edward Swafford's avatar

My parents didn’t even want me around at his place, they thought his partner would molest me.

Those were the “good old days” of enriched homophobia, how far we’ve come as a society.

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H. R. Sinclair's avatar

enriched homophobia 😂

We had a family friend my mums age, he was gay, and we always got a long quite well, even though I was just a kid. My mum had another friend question if he was molesting me.

What a fucking bizarre world we live in. I love you tho!

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Ha, where did enriched homophobia come from, does this even make sense?! Ha.

Yeah, when we were kids the world was a fucking homophobic place. It’s finally come around, mostly.

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Rajani Radhakrishnan's avatar

This must have been hard to write...a beautiful tribute and a standout poem that truly moved me.

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Just when I thought I couldn’t admire you more.

Thank you for being you, Rajani.

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E.R. Davis's avatar

Edward, I know this was a painful piece to write but you can feel how important this was for you because I really do believe this might have been one of the finest poems I've read in a long time. Really, this is one of your best pieces.

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thank you so much, E. R.

It means a lot. I didn’t realize I’d missed out on his guidance until 10-12 years after his passing.

Almost like delayed mourning? For what could and should have been?

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E.R. Davis's avatar

You did him justice with your words. I’m sure he’d be honored.

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The Forgotten Muse's avatar

He would be so proud of the bright light you’ve become, dear Edward.

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Black Coffee Poetry's avatar

I love your bones, Muse ^_^.

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The Forgotten Muse's avatar

Ditto ✨

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

Oh, Edward. Heartbreaking and hauntingly beautiful. A stunning ode to your uncle who pathed the way and he didn't even know it 🤍💔

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thank you, sweet Marce.

He would be 85 this year, I would’ve been his carer if he needed it.

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

Aww, yes you would’ve been darling 🤍💙

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Linda Kowalchek's avatar

What a lovely poem, my friend! 😊❤️

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Black Coffee Poetry's avatar

Thank you so much, dear Linda ^_^.

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April's Voice, Through Poetry's avatar

Beautiful and heartbreaking ❤️

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Edward Swafford's avatar

Thank you SO much for your kindness, April ^O^.

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