See notes for story
Crucified on a Wyoming fence.
Not dead - not alive - hovering.
Sweet-faced angel sculpted by
a loving and caring God.
Brutal men. . . not human,
beasts with black lying tongues.
They beat him to a fleshy pulp
and left him with his life leaking
into the Wyoming soil.
Men who deserved to die,
needed killing - undeserving
of the final grace given them
by the very one whose life
they snuffed out near Laramie.
They will live, God damn their souls.
The Little Shepard boy has gone
beyond life to eternal reminder of
what happens when we hate.
Author notes
These notes are an addendum to my poem. In my horror of this occurrence I failed to realize others might not be aware of Matthew's horrendous story.
Matthew Shephard was a 21 year-old young man studying at the
University of Wyoming in Laramie. Matthew was gay. A beautiful boy and naturally delicate, it is easy to see why he became a target.
Two straight men pretended to be gay to next to Matthew and gain his confidence.
All along they had a plan that they carried out one night. They took Matthew to a field, pistol-whipped him unmercifully, tortured him and tied him on a fence to die. Matthew was found and rushed to a hospital where he died of his injuries.
The two men were found guilty and his parents asked if they wanted the death penalty. They said, "No, Matthew didn't believe in the death penalty and they supported his decisions. Neither man will leave prison alive and justice was served...but Matthew is gone from us.
Tell me what you think, but kindly, please.
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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I'm so glad you had the courage to bring this story to light. It really needed to be said, and you said it perfectly. The story, along with your written notes brings it forward so everyone can know that these things actually happen right here in our beautiful, free, America. Some wouldn't believe it, but they would be wrong.
I think I remember seeing a newspaper article about this terrible happening. However, living in the great Northeast, it probably lost some of its delivery as it crossed the continent...Thank you for bringing it forward once again. It really needed to be told, and you did it. Keep up the good work.
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Wow...that is the sadest thing...my best friend is gay and i HATE people who judge them. It's not for us humans..(if they are human) to judge. Your poem made me think of how lucky i am to be living in my town where people are more open. My father is general secretary of churches in south africa and he currently fighting to let gay people come into the church. You're a great writer...thank you.
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ITZ VERY HEART WARWMING I ENJOYED IT SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!! YA
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Reading the responses to this poem, it is apparently based on a true incident. However, it's not an incident that I'm aware of, and the poem doesn't clarify that. Perhaps you should give some information in your Author's Notes.
Having said that, though, the poem is heartbreaking and extremely powerful.
Best wishes,
Bill
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Thanks, Bill. I added notes with the story. I really appreciate your bringing that to my attention.
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You brought awareness to me about a tragedy here that in Canada of which we had never heard. Dastardly act, for which God condemns....They have their judgement for such an act..
Your poem does some justice to his defence, darling little boy... A tribute to you, writing about him...
Sis 
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Thanks, Sis, for your nicest comment. I have added notes so people can read the story. I appreciate your words and support.
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Black Raven, thanks for your kindest words on my poem about Matthew. I cry for him still and pray his killers may one day see the error of their way.
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This is so sad but true. This really is a good poem with such depth. Keep up the great poetry.
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