Different Poem

Since before you were born, your family decided that you were different

They said it

Like a promise of potential, a possibility

They believed that you had a power to make a difference in the world

So they helped you become the man

With eyes twinkling like stars clashing against the midnight blue sky

A mind as endless as the universe, constantly changing, forming new ideas and thoughts

And a kind heart that suffers and beats for the world

A voice clear, unwavering, strong and confident enough so those without a voice could speak

They built you into an artist, a revolutionary, a scientist, thinker, doer, believer, helper, giver

You made them puff their chests going ‘Yeah, that’s my son’

You made them cheer the loudest at every game, hoot and whistle every award that you won,

And when you went back the street and helped an old man cross the road, your mom smiled and told you

‘You are different.’

But you saw everything through a guilt-ridden screen

Unable to express what you truly feel

And as you told them the truth

The uninvited silence crept in, fogging up your clear mind, kind heart, and bright eyes

‘Well’, you said with your voice wavering, ‘Atleast-’

‘Enough!’ your dad yelled ‘ I did not just give you respect, so you can bring me shame.’’

he looked in your eyes with hatred and disgust,

Tight-lipped and hard faced, and said

‘You are different’

They could no longer see the man they built and raised

The strong-willed and kind-hearted man

They see their own hatred and prejudices slapping them in the face

And they see their baby being persecuted because of what he feels

Because he is different

And yes, it hurt that the same people who made you different are criticizing you of being so

But smoking and drinking will not solve the problem

Close the lid and change your clothes and your mind

Come on, you know that you are made of more than that

Because you have so much to give to the world

You are going to teach them to think, to dream, to believe, and to hope

You will teach the world to dance, to laugh, and to smile

And one day, i promise you you won’t be judged by who you love

Trust me,

So look into my eyes

Remember that you are never alone

Because I will hold your hand

through scorching deserts and tall mountains

so that you can find yourself

I will shift your gaze up the mountains

to the stars

and hold up your hands so that you can reach them

I promise to see the beauty in your difference

even when no one else can

And especially when you can’t-

Because you, my love, truly are different