I could see that pain and hatred in your eyes
The moment she spurned you as childish and unwise.
I know how it feels to be scorned and chastised.
I know how it feels to go against those baptized.


You were caught in a raging hurricane;
And I could see that it was difficult to refrain
From making a scene.
But you had finally had enough.
You stood up, the conversation turned rough,
And I wanted to intervene.


You needed an ally,
Someone whose beliefs weren't calcified.
I knew that here, those devout break us;
We are few, far in between, and cautious.


But I was there.
We were two of a kind.
I squirmed under your mother's stare,
Asking me about your 'poisoned' mind.


You stormed out.
I saw opportunity.
If I could comfort you after the fallout,
I'd introduce you to a like-minded community.


But I wasn't out of the closet myself;
Dawkins was hidden on my bookshelf.
I wanted to run to your aid,
But I stayed there, afraid.


I know I should have come to you.
I should have renounced the hate they spew.
It's difficult, and my cowardice made it worse.
I'd let them win, so myself I curse.