Work Text:
Stephen and his flatmate Gerald are
The two most diff’rent men you’ll ever see;
While Stephen's time is spent at gym and bar,
Gerald enjoys both art and poetry.
If Stephen’s boldly masculine façade
Of heartless slagging and shouts of “Wahey”
Cannot transform sweet Gerald to a Lad,
Then Stephen is not sure what he should say.
If danger threatened, Gerald he’d defend
With brawny strength against ‘most any threat;
But to admit his feelings for his friend -
That is a task he cannot manage yet.
The secret Stephen tries his best to hide
Is that he’s happiest by Gerald’s side.
Now Stephen’s flatmate Gerald is no Lad;
He does not know the lads’ unwritten rule -
Yet though he’s almost driven Stephen mad
In matters of emotion he’s no fool.
So Gerald tries his best, with heart of gold,
To humour Stephen and supportive be,
Although he often meets reactions cold
And signs of Stephen’s deep anxiety.
Alas, poor Gerald cannot fathom Steve;
How came this lad to fear emotion so?
Might gentle words his flatmate’s stress relieve?
He tries and tries; the answer’s always “No!”
Sweet Gerald does not want to hear “I’m grand!”
He wants to listen, holding Stephen’s hand.