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Different
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
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This poem is one of encouragement and love to the LGBTQ+ community and an ode to the individuals' bravery to come out and live truly and genuinely.