Differences

In the 10th grade my best friend was beaten by a group of boys

They were white

He was black

They were straight

He was not

A hospital visit and 12 stitches later he was released

But the memories would be forever etched into his brain

The fear carved into his soul

For years he would be afraid to tell people of that night

He would be afraid to tell his own best friend

He lived in fear for years

Afraid that people would see him for the pigment of his skin

Instead of the love in his heart

That they would only see a "faggot"

Instead of a faithful servant

Years of hating himself for who he truly was amplified by the acts of a group of boys who had no right to do what they did

Except growing up in a upper middle class white neighborhood they always had their rights

But growing up in an upper middle class white neighborhood he frequently had his taken away

All they saw that night was a gay, black good for nothing minority

But all I've ever seen in him was a friend.