By: Tyree Jackson

You see, my life shouldn’t be treated as some
fairytale, because these glass slippers won’t fit your feet.

And my life shall not be narrated from ignorant mouths
or paraphrased by misinformed minds.

Because it is I who has to endure the hate crimes
and has to do the time behind the bars of this
closed cultural system.

You see, while I am not waiting for a kiss from a handsome
prince—I am waiting for society’s acceptance

and this is something that can’t be given by a
genie with three wishes
or from the help of seven little men.

You see, my life didn’t begin with the bullshit phrase
“Once upon a time.” because this life isn’t a story of fiction,
but a story of truth.

And let truth be told, that with every line I spit
and every story I tell, makes my voice worth listening to,
because my life isn’t some fairytale.