I Wish (Poem)

Photo by Niklas Ohlrogge on Unsplash

I wish I didn’t have to think
Of every step, every move
Every time I step into the unknown
That’s so familiar yet not considered my own

I wish I could travel the world
Without having to think
Am I welcomed, am I safe
Will I have to experience hate

I wish I could live anywhere
To pick a home of peace and calm
To not have to go through that built-in checklist
Of “Do I belong?”

I wish I could experience the lifestyle of my friends
Having fun enjoying, laughing, and drinking
Never receiving the stares, the gawking, the “Why is SHE here?”

I wish I was seen for more than just my skin
To be accepted by all even if you don’t agree
So I could put this built-in checklist

As a distant memory