I am not your American, I don't want that name I might look the part, but I'm not playing your game. Middle Class clothes. Working class life Getting through my day without too much strife. I’m not your American. I read too much. But I can hide my books and I can shut up. Tuck away my knowledge and just sit still, Act like I never think, but I always will. I don’t go to church, but maybe I should. Throw on a cross so I can look “good”. Cover my tattoos, put on a peaceful face, Makeup and heels, all to keep me safe. I’m not your American, even though I’m white. I could soften my voice to make my words sound light. I can hide I’m kind of freaky. I can hide that I am queer. But must I hide I am bisexual so I won’t live in fear? I believe in freedom, I believe in peace. I am not your American, I won’t be put on a leash. Patriarchy is dangerous, more than any wealth, But say that out loud? You risk your own health. Do I keep my head low and change my tone, Dye my hair back to normal and dress monotone. I’m lucky, I can pass, I can play pretend, But many can never hide, it’s life or death for them. My neighbors with their dark skin or an "odd" accent, They get all the hate. Those Nazi’s don’t make sense. My neighbors are in danger, how dare I try to hide, If I’m a real American, I must fight for all their lives. I am not your American, but I am afraid Of what my country teaches and what it has made Queer is a dirty word and immigrant is a crime I have to do something because we’re running out of time. But I have no idea what I can actually do.
(image by Getty Images, Jay Wise)