Different- because I am normal

A poem written in my sadness and anger at the death of Sophie Lancaster, and the prejudices both my loved one and myself have suffered.

Your eyes are green, and my eyes are blue
Does this excuse the pain you put me through?
Your hair is blonde, and my hair is brown
I greet you with a smile, you greet me with a frown

I'm in town with my friends, and you are with yours
We sit in the park, you hang around in shop doors
We laugh and joke
You make gagging noises, look at us, and choke

I'm walking home, and I'm smiling
Music making beautiful my ear's lining
I walk past you and catch your eye
I nod at you politely and you spit at me; why?

You say I'm different, don't fit in with the crowd.
I look at your friends, and this makes me proud.
I try to be polite, be nice and kind to all that I meet
You glare at me like something you've scraped from your feet

If this is different, then I like it
You try to put me down but I smile despite it
I am who I am, you can't put me down
I'm the one that smiles; it is you with the frown

I'm stupid for dressing all in black
Yet it is you whose brains went slack
You assume I'm depressed and deprived
Yet you are the sad one for prying into other people's lives

I might get bullied and ignored
But at least I don't hurt someone because I am bored
I'm not insecure for being who I am
You are, for hiding in the crowd for safety. And damn

You for thinking I care
About why you think I dyed my hair
You beat me up because you don't understand
But I get you perfectly you stupid little man*

You can try to squash me, and beat me down
You think it's funny - HA! - You're such a clown
You won't destroy me, or my race
Even when your boot smashes open my face

I laugh, and I cry
I smile and I sigh
Like any sane person would do
Not because I am different, but because I am human, unlike you.

NB: * Women prejudice too, but “man” fits in more appropriately with the rhyming scheme.

In loving memory of Sophie Lancaster, and others who have died for being proud to show who they are.
Also in support of those who have suffered abuse, and their families. To those, "Goth", "Emo", "Chav", Homosexual, Foreign, whomever, who are against prejudice, and who aren't afraid to stand up for themselves and others, who aren't afraid to say that prejudice is wrong. To those who know that it's inside that counts, not what culture you deem yourself part of.
I call out to everyone; let us turn the hate in this world around. Don't judge, treat others fairly, appreciate life, and learn how to smile, show you care. And love.

 

This poem was written in support of the S.O.P.H.I.E (Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere) Foundation, in memory of Sophie Lancaster.

Reviews

[Tommy]

This is a strong piece, and speaks volumes of the humanity of men.
"I might get bullied and ignored
But at least I don't hurt someone because I am bored
I'm not insecure for being who I am
You are, for hiding in the crowd for safety."
There is great truth to these words. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!
RLG,
Tommy

[Akshat♥]

Two people can be friends and same time they can be different ...
it happens..this is life..it shows us lot of things in such a small life..
helping others ,nature,nature of different people,animals, childhood,
lot of others...
Fantastic Write...loved it:)

[Amber "Victoriomantic" Hart]

Thank you so much! Life can teach us so many lessons, I wish people could appreciate them more like you're speaking of :)

[Akshat♥]

Same feelings :p

[there is no more from m..]

what a grate poem this has a nice flow
well done

[Ellen Hammond]

This has great rhyme and flow and a powerful message. It speaks volumes about those who bully, and treat others who are different with such disgust. Bigots tend to forget that beneath the skin we are basically the same and all bleed red. Think they would have figured that out by now. Guess that says a lot for their lack of wisdom.

You have very well penned a very thought provoking, poem. I really like it and commend you for standing up for what is right.

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