Standing
I have been beaten and shamed
My heart has broken, my mind has fallen apart
But surrounded by my struggles
I’m still standing.
I have wept from misunderstanding
Wondering why an “inclusive” nation could be so cruel
Denying me and others like me basic human rights
But the deafening shouts of slurs bounce off me like rain on a tin roof and
I’m still standing.
I have bled for my mistakes
Judgements passed on myself by myself
Leave me with a hundred scars from a hundred pins ripping at skin for its imperfections
But at the end of a dark tunnel you’ll find me; through it all
I’m still standing.
I have been shunned for unorthodox beliefs
The Christians preach love, but do not love gays or let gays love
The gays preach acceptance, but do not accept that you can love God and your girlfriend
But while the most important parts of me are at war
I’m still standing.
I ache from an endless darkness
An umbrella follows me and blocks out the sun
Even when I am with loved ones, I am encased in ice and cold stone
But you’ll find that in spite of fake smiles
I’m still standing.
I yearn for a change
My heart knows that things don’t happen overnight
But as I wait in quiet isolation
I am still standing.