Not Nor Ever the Same

Thu, 01/31/2013 - 02:52 -- JTStone

Location

45044
United States
39° 30' 54.2088" N, 84° 23' 53.7936" W

Hi, I'm gay. And for equality I'm not afraid to fight.
No, I'm not really gay. But I got your attention, right?
It's not easy; we're not all raised the same way.
We're all born different. Some black, some white,
some of us straight
and others gay.
That's right. You've probably guessed it. My theme is equality.
You've sensed it, but what are you doing to help?
While we
Sit around thinking it's all okay? It's not okay.
Why not okay?
While others say
"proud to be gay."
That boy, that girl, they're like a blue jay.
They just want to be free,
but why can't we see?
See past the media, the bullies, the politicians.
To just listen.
To comprehend what we're missin'.
When I was young, I learned haikus.
"That words are so strong,
that people are not all bad
but I was too young."
Too young to know that to be different, one doesn't choose.
It's not just about being gay
oh no
It's everyone who is a little different.
You see, they
Are criticized, ridiculed, for what people deem to be "shortcomings."
Why?
What constitutes as "weird things?"
What makes me different? What makes you superior?
Our looks? Our minds?
You're cold inside; a dark interior.
Every day, people laugh, joke, and snicker
snicker at others, bringing pain
and the flame that is their life begins to fade and flicker
flicker away, raising smoke of shame.
Get up!
Rise! Make a change!
Did that get your attention? Does it take someone getting in your face to get you to open your eyes and rearrange?
People aren't the same!
And they're more than proud of that fact.
While ignorant folks use the words "faggot", "retard", "freak",
those who are different don't call them a bigoted hack.
There is one response out of two:
Hold their head in their hands and cry,
or stand strong. No time to be blue.
I encourage those strong and hold out a hand.
Grab it.
Grip it.
Let me pull you out of the quicksand.
Let me dust you off. Let my words wraparound you in warm embrace.
Show your face.
Jump up and stand proudly.
Look at them in the eyes while they shout, "How'd we...
come to be defeated in a manner such as this?"
Fight true until they've retreated.
Let them feel a final dis.
You are unique.
Don't let anyone tell you wrong.
Use your voice.
Sing your song.
I am but a poet; I write the words and put a sound behind them all.
Now it's your turn.
Hands up
Chins high
From here we climb,
too high to fall.

Comments

Additional Resources

Get AI Feedback on your poem

Interested in feedback on your poem? Try our AI Feedback tool.
 

 

If You Need Support

If you ever need help or support, we trust CrisisTextline.org for people dealing with depression. Text HOME to 741741