You Said, by Jenny Smith

I said, “I’m bisexual.”

You said, “I still love you.”

I said, “I want to take the children to meet my friends.”

You said, “No. I don’t want them to think it’s okay to be gay.”

…

I said, “I’m leaving the church.”

You said, “I still love you.”

I said, “I’m worried God is more important than I am.”

You said, “A person’s relationship with God is the most important thing they can have in this life.”

…

I said, “I need more time with my family of choice.”

You said, “I’ll go to queer stuff with you, but the kids can’t go.”

I said, “Why not?”

You said, “Because if they think homosexuality is okay, they might leave the church.”

…

I said, “And what if they do leave the church?”

You said, “Then what is the point of our marriage?”

I said, “I don’t know if I want to be married to you any more.”

You said nothing.

…

I said, “I’m leaving you.”

You said, “I saw this coming, but there was nothing I could do about it.”

I have no words left to say.