Never Ending Pride

After the brightly colored sequins have been carefully collected and tucked away

They count the days-anticipating, patiently awaiting another month of carefree play

After a month of celebrating the pride, they’ve always had inside

Some take out and wear the mask they feel they must hide behind

Then they turn on the news to find that after wearing their colors proud and bright

Is once again in danger of being stripped away of what was once their given right

They cook for their beautiful children, then hug and kiss their spouse

Thinking of parents’ reactions on their day of when they finally had the courage to come out

No longer having to hide in closets, secretly trying on mamas’ makeup, heels, and clothes

No more “boys don’t act that way” or “boy do as you are told”

No longer do the little girls who loved the things that all the little boys do

Hiding all their deepest passions, now they can walk and live within their truths

After the celebration has come to its inevitable end

It’s time for them to make new signs to fight for others and themselves again

After the colorful signs and people that lined the parade route

After the feeling that they are winning, after years of bullying and self-doubt

There’s no more dancing and music, filling the crowded streets

Beautiful Queens with waists snatched, and smiles on faces beat

After the dresses and accessories are carefully packed away

Back to the suits and ties- it’s business as usual- just another average day

Taking off the fan-sized lashes, wiping the makeup off

After remembering the mothers and fathers who came before them, for their rights they bravely fought

After the flags that have been beautifully crafted and in love sweetly sown

Waved not only during in times of celebration, but during a war that still rages on

Left are Kings and Queens still slaying who always keep straightened crowns

And even when they say they are here, they have always been around

After the next special child who finds themselves new to this age-old plight

Just know that someone loves and accepts you when others say it’s not natural or right

Continue to be your most authentic you, go on and live your dreams

Whether a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or statuesque drag Queen

Always remember you are special, never forget who you are

Find the shine inside you to discover your inner star

Beautiful, talented and worthy- just remember those three words

Never let the haters define and tell you what you are truly worth

You are one in a million, a unique snowflake amongst the many

Your contribution to life’s future may feel small but just know you contribute plenty

After the fellowshipping of the different shades, creeds, and colors

After the feeling of solidarity amongst their sisters and their brothers

They will each go back in obscurity, hiding amongst the billions of this world

Hiding amongst the cut glass- for they are diamonds and sand spun pearls

And even though they try their best to wear their cleverest disguise

They never can truly camouflage the light that’s in their eyes

Their colorful personalities that match their individual flags’ hues

Their technicolor dreams are big and bright with ambition that pushes them through

The taunting and the ridicule are one of many fought

Coloring outside blurred lines, going against what tradition has been ingrained and taught

Each unique and beautiful, a colorful tapestry when blended

Ever the ones you can count on to cheer you up when indeed their own hearts may the ones that need to be mended

After the parade they continue to fill the world with their joyful laughs and colors

They will still be someone’s brother, sister, father, or mother

But sadly, after the parade has finally wound down

The hate and unacceptance will continue to seep from hateful minds and mouths