Beneath

 

Overnight I lay,

Beneath the stars,

Beneath this roof you grant me,

Beneath the god you’ve shown me.

Beneath these shackles you have so kindly provided.

 

And I breathe alone.

the skin I own is my mark

the skin you see is only black

the skin I feel is smooth like you

the skin you feel differs from yours

 

Things you say to us for peace

“sky is only but a limit”

“sky isn’t the highest we can go together”

“sky does not mean the same to you as it does to me”

“Reach for the sky.” 

 

But we have felt your tongue before.

I use this body and express my voice.

I used my heart to protect. 

I use these words you gave to me to fight

I used these words and soul to move others like me.

 

We cry for the things you don’t understand.

weep for my brothers who were slain in the street

weep for my sisters who were raped beneath a sheet

weep for our mothers who watch these monstrosities

weep for our fathers who can’t provide for their families

 

And with this, I stand.

for freedom to love who I please.

for the right to stand in the street un-molested

for the time I can love without fear

for love with no limits, no borders, no tears.

 

Because I love,

You shackle me in litigation

You use your god against me

You hate me for a “Choice”

You hate that you cannot have what I have.

 

Another man.