DARK VICTORY

For Dr. Francis X. Allard

“Well, my dear” —

Bette Davis said with an

“All About Eve” twist of

Her swishing cigarette

“Better late than never” —

Referring to the recent gay

Marriage initiative passed

In the State of Washington

Francis had been dead —

Since 2000 after 27 years

Being my partner after

Meeting each other at UW

“Tell me, my dear” —

Bette said, standing on

The big winding staircase

Glancing down at the party

“How many are there —

I wonder, gay widows like

You now that the grand

Performance is over?”

I girded my loins —

Fastened my seatbelt

It had been a very

Bumpy ride, my dears

A true “Dark Victory” —

So many of us gay couples

Had lost our partners by

This dark victorious night