March The Pride Parade

This poem is called pride, And we’re gonna start a parade. We’ll be marching down streets, Waving flags, singing upbeat. For long before, People of our kind were stoned. Locked in closets, And disregarded by our own. But today, we’re gonna start a parade. We’re breaking the chains, And changing the game. For now, though for once, We’re no longer puppets. Society’s curse, A malady to the bones. And today, I’m gonna join the pride parade. Not because I wanna start a rally, Or show off some funky glitter. But to make a statement, And raise a voice to be heard. That my body begs to object, And my soul chooses to differ. Dancing bare-feet, I will raise the rainbow-colored flag. Not to brag, not to taunt. But to celebrate a milestone. A long cry for freedom, That many else haven’t thought of. As rainbows radiate through my body, There grow sharp thorns that protect me. Instruments of nature, Saving me from this sea of commonality. These spikes are my truths, My pains and my hurdles. They make me strong, And push me harder each day. This poem is called pride, And, mind you, this is not just a parade.

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Words by: DM Gasparillo Adil Artwork by: Spencer Panes Ruto