• here's to Orlando because simple prayers will never be enough •

we've only ever known

black and white.

rules and regulations

we don't dare step out of the line.

we don't even dare to think

of other colors.

however, curiosity is inevitable

and our minds expand

our ideas reach beyond the skies;

our minds are now open.

we are magnets

taught to repel

when close to the same kind.

forced to attract

when close to the opposites.

we don't dare dab our brushes

on the other colors on the palettes.

we wonder

why every time we paint ourselves black or white

the color seems to fade

it simply refuses to stay.

when we discover the other colors

we dare to paint patches on our stubborn skin

and when it sticks,

we drench ourselves in its acceptance.

but we've only ever known

black and white.

so when others espy this

colorful oddness

or shall I say,

wrong and disgusting act of —

love?

when others espy this

they reject it's strangeness

or shall I say —

they fear it

those brave enough to face their fears

act upon it

we kill and murder

because we'd rather hold guns

than hold hands?

put away your stripes

take out your palette

and drench yourselves

in the rainbows of love

the spectrum of acceptance

grow out of your cages

grab a paintbrush

and paint over the dull, fading black and white

rip out the pages in your heart that spell hatred

and write a beautiful tale of love

because love will always give back.