Human Definitions

"so busy finding labels...why can't we just be?"

Human Definitions

By: Lorraine Pearson

January 17, 2007

 

Humans

Define humans

Fitting them

Securely

"In a box."
 

Labelling to describe them-

Making sense

For what does not.
 

First

Its gender

Then

Its race-

Sexual preferences

and

Taste.

"Are you married?"

"Are you single?"

"Been divorced?"

"What, you're illegal?"
 

And 

What about your income level?

What did you sacrifice or sell?
 

It gets worse as we go deeper-
(Its not easy filing people!)

If so far they pass the tests…

How much more personal it gets!

 

Afterall...

Who doesn't want to impress?

When will the truth BE 
Acceptable

As

BEST?

 

 

© Lorraine Pearson 2007

Reviews

[Barbara Walker]

Oh Larraine, this is perfect! I wouldn't change a word. How most of us just want to "be". Classification is what made me feel worthless when I first became disabled. The one thing everyone asks each other is, "What do you do? As in, How do you make your money, how do you contribute to society?" i couldn't work. I had no answer to give. I felt so small and useless.
Disability has taught me how to be.

[Micheal Teal]

Truth is where humans go when they have exhausted all other options. As someone who has always waved their freak flag high I enjoyed this quite a bit. There is a sincerity to your words that is unique and distinct. You convey beautifully the truth of humanity. When will truth be acceptable - beautiful thought - would that it were so!

You are truly a gifted writer and I embrace the truth with open arms whether it be in life or in poetry. You have activated my spirit and inspired it to seek honesty , wisdom and truth. For that I thank you.

[Laurie Morrison]

A bit of slam poetry that gave me a different, if slightly cynical perspective on humanity:
http://www.slick.com/dmd/dancemonkeysdance.htm

You raise an important point with your poem, though. Are we human havings, human doings, or human beings? Does society define us or do we define ourselves? These are important questions and only the person in the mirror can answer them for us, ultimately. Thanks for sharing!

[Shadows of Sight]

I find your words speaking truth that i wish more poeple would see life this way.
Good words!