Poetry [ongoing]

The World (free verse)

[June 2018]

TW/CW: bullying, implied s*xual assault, transphobia, school shooting

The World

Sometimes I look at the world
And I see that it is hideous.

I see a girl typing offensive messages behind a screen,
Knowing no one will know it was her.

I see a boy making jokes about a group of people
When his classmate is part of that group.

I see a girl being told that she "asked for it"
Because her skirt was "too short."

I see a boy forbidden from being himself
Because he was born a "girl."

I see a couple keeping their relationship a secret
Because their love is illegal.

I see children torn from their parents and siblings
For coming to a safer place.

I see students huddling in the corner of their classroom,
Hiding from the armed man in the hallway.

I see people who believe that others should not be alive
Because they are different.

I see chaos, hate, prejudice, sadness.

I see all of this, and I think, "The world is hideous."

Sometimes I look at the world
And I see that it is beautiful.

I see a girl placing her lunch next to a girl she's never spoken to,
But who looks lonely.

I see a boy standing up to defend his friend
When someone is bullying him.

I see a girl shaving her head and donating her hair
To raise money for cancer.

I see a boy tutoring a younger student at school
And helping him to understand.

I see a family with a raft rescuing their neighbors
From the roof of their flooded house.

I see a group of students organizing a clothing drive
For children who need it more than they do.

I see an act of kindness on the street
That may make a world of difference to one person.

I see celebrations of identity, heritage, and pride,
And people who are unafraid to be who they are.

I see peace, love, acceptance, joy.

I see all of this, and I think, "The world is beautiful."