Analysis of Matthew Shepard Of Wyoming

Twenty-one years old,
or, I should say young,
with the fair coloring
and grace of a
trumpeting swan,
youth of intellect
and blameless
goodness.

He attended a LGBTQ
meeting on the campus
of the University of
Wyoming on
October 6, 1998.
Afterwards he dropped
by the Fireside Bar
for a drink.

Two malevolent men
lured him from the bar,
they tortured the youth
of the peaceful presence.
They left him to die on a
deer-proofing fence
near a rural roadside.
Hours later a cyclist
who at first thought
Matthew was a scarecrow,
then recognized him,
he, Matthew of an
angelic face,
the swan,
the delicate swan,
tear tracks streamed
on his cheeks.

After a six day coma
in the hospital,
Matthew of this sad
earth passed away,
candlelight vigils
glowed the world
over,
hate crime legislation
across the U.S. was
born.
Matthew, a citizen of
global humanity,
murdered for simply
being gay.
Love and Hope lying
bereft, bleeding still.

Matthew's angels
still console the
tearful hearts of light,
neverending. ~