Laurence: “Mum, Dad come into the living room
for a moment. I have something to say.
Mum: “What is it darling.I have to get dinner ready.”
Dad: “For Christ’s sake what now.”
Laurence: “Can you both just sit down for a moment
this is hard enough to do as it is.It will be
impossible if you have an attitude.
Mum: “Alright darling.Alright we are here.Listening.
Dad: “I’m not listening.You’ve got 5 minutes and I’m
going in to have dinner.Now get on with it.”
Laurence: “Okay Okay don’t rush me.
Dad: “You’re failing school.I knew it.I spent a
fortune to send you to the best school and
this is how you repay me. With failure.
I always thought you were a loser.But
this is the limit.Well you can get a job in
in the can factory.It will do you good.”
Laurence: “What? No I’m not failing school.I’m in the
top 5% of my class.”
Mum: “Okay darling.Get on with it. We are listening.
Laurence: “Mum you know when I was little.I used to
fuss about my hair and how I looked.”
Mum: “Of course darling.Nothing at all wrong with that.
Dad: “Can someone please get to the point.I’m hungry.”
Laurence: “And Dad you know how i always got sick when
you wanted me to go fishing or camping.”
Dad: “ Yes I did think that was odd. But your loss”
Laurence: “Well the truth is I like boys.There I said it”
Mom: “Said what? So you like boys.You do have some
wonderful friends.So what.I mean Patrick is a
lovely boy.Always neat and tidy.Such nice hair.”
Laurence: “No you don’t understand I like boys.I want
to go to the dance with a boy.You know Simon.
We love each other.”
Dad: “What are you saying.Are you Gay?”
Laurence: “Yes I guess that word will do.Yes I’m gay.
Dad: “ You bloody little Poofter Gay Faggot.
I should cut your throat with a blunt razor.
I can’t look at you.That is it.
I want you out of this house.You’ve got
10 minutes to pack and leave,
Get the hell out of my sight.
Mum: “Maybe the doctors can give you something for it.”
Laurence: “No mum there’s nothing they can do.”
Dad: “Get the hell out of my sight.”
-
Author:
David Wakeling (
Offline) - Published: June 2nd, 2026 00:10
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 7
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, Tristan Robert Lange
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Comments5
It is funny how one's beliefs be they sexual, religious, economic, political can determine the success or failure of a relationship. Is that all that defines us? Well written
Well it certainly can break up a family.Thanks for commenting mi amigo
You are most welcome David
Your poem revolves around the theme of coming out and the complex dynamics of familial acceptance. It explores the emotional turmoil experienced by Laurence as he reveals his sexual orientation to his parents. The poet touches on themes of rejection, misunderstanding, and the struggle for identity against the backdrop of societal and familial expectations.
This was very sad, yet I was proud of Laurence ❤️
He had to be brave.Thank you for your thoughtful comments
Strange what people think they can do by disowning members of their own family. It's like excommunication or something. Like the very theatrical but also all-around damaging declarations like: Today my child/parent died, etc. How does that solve anything?
You are right it doesn't solve anything.All that is needed is a little bit of compassion.Anyway Thanks amigo always a joy to read your comments
Some people are just too sensitive about the skin off their noses. Most welcome amigo 🕊️🙏
David, this hit me hard. The dialogue makes it feel painfully immediate...like we're sitting in the room watching it unfold in real time. The contrast between Laurence's vulnerability and his father's cruelty is devastating. Powerful piece, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thank you so much.A scene played around the world to various degrees of compassion.Your thoughts are always appreciated
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