the colors of the earth,

the grass beneath my feet,

a blossom's sudden birth

where flesh and flower meet.

a land where i can live

without a thought or worry

that what i have to give

will never try to hurt me.

for across the mighty seas

exists a different place

that does not have our trees

nor a kind or happy face.

men shed blood for us,

we who they do not know,

so that in god we may trust

and democracy we may sow.

so today, tomorrow, and always,

pour your heart out and sing.

because we are safe the rest of our days.

let freedom ring.

people don't buy shoes

that are one size too small.

they confine the muscles.

they break the bones.

they make every step, every sprint

a living hell.

it's obvious.

don't want the pain?

don't buy small shoes.

it's the most normal thing in the world,

is it not?

but i feel pain with every step,

my shoes fitting just fine.

my bones break when i breathe,

but i bought the right size.

nobody tells you what to do

when your sexuality doesn't fit

or your passions don't fit

or your your voice doesn't fit

within the confines of the shoes

you were given by the world.

nobody tells you that being different

will cost you your happiness,

your innocence,

your opportunities for success

in this crazy world.

we're all just trying to walk,

are we not?

so the craziest idea

might not be as complicated

as our society makes it out to be.

maybe, just maybe,

we need to buy some bigger shoes.

how could you understand

where i’ve been

and what’s happened to me?

how could you come to know

the loss i feel

at a time like this?

for years, i worked

against demons that kept me

bound to a life of pain.

a mental illness.

a physical ailment.

a mother’s manipulation.

a father’s curious hands.

for years, i sought after roses

and white dresses,

caps and gowns,

a grand exit from this hell

and a grand entrance into greatness.

how could you know

what it’s like to lose that?

how could you know

what it’s like to lose a summer

of cheap wine and scratchy blankets

watching fireworks

with your friends...

how could you know

what it’s like to lose a safehaven,

to be trapped in the walls

of an abusive home

that reeks of booze

and unclean bodies...

how could you know

what it’s like to lose the days

that you consider the best

of your lives,

and to spend them alone

without a hand to hold,

without an end in sight,

without peace?

yeah, we’re all sad.

yeah, this fucking sucks.

but don’t diminish my pain

just because you don’t understand it.

not all of us experience the loss

of the days

that make life worth living.

how could you know?