Diversity is...

I sit on the ground, Staring around me, Knowing not How to describe diversity. I waste a few sheets of paper, Writing… scratching it out… Writing some more… And crumbling the sheet. I gaze out into the world. I wonder how the earth Can be so diverse So simply, So naturally. Five trees, all in a row All divergent: Different shades of green, Different form and stature. Nature understands. Why can’t we? I look at my garden. It’s cold out And the flowers Are dead or dying. What is left? Leaves. They’re all green. Except the Coleus. Its leaves Crimson engulfed By carmine. They’re different. This is diversity. When one shows Their individual color, Their own hopes, Their own dreams, Fearing not The judgment Fearing not The ridicule. It’s the bravery and courage One has to be himself. Diversity is Standing out And being proud Of who you are. It’s voicing Your opinion And never Being ashamed. It’s being you And no one else. Caring not What other’s think. It’s self-expression. It’s displaying everything About yourself In any way possible. Diversity is The clothes you wear, The music you listen to, The color of your hair. Diversity is Accepting yourself For who you are, For being true to yourself. It’s refusing to change For the sake of others. It’s being you and Refusing to be someone else. Diversity is Individuality.