It isn’t because he is black
and it isn’t because she prays.
It isn’t because she drinks
that she is the one who pays.
It isn’t because he kisses boys
and it’s not because she loves her wife.
It’s not because his skin is dark
that he fears for his life.
It isn’t about his God or hers
and it’s not about his wealth.
It’s not because he is “normal”
that others hide with stealth.
It’s not because his dress
is prettier than her tux.
It’s not because society
cares who she fucks.
It’s not because his ancestors
were her family’s slaves.
It’s not because of his accent
that his family lay in graves.
It’s because one person
planted a deadly seed,
fed with hate and fear
and potted in soiled greed.
It only takes one person
to take a loving hand
and fix the garden growing
into a loving land.
It’s not about black or white
because the world is gray.
It’s not about you or me
because it’s about humanity.
© Autumn Siders 2016
Autumn Siders 