Different

*Disclaimer – I used to write poetry all the time. It’s where my love of writing began. I don’t dabble in it so much anymore. When I did, it was mostly free form – because there is an art to rhyme and scheme that doesn’t always seem to fit with what I am trying to convey. This one I felt compelled to write because I thought communicating in the style of a basic children’s author that was many of our first reads, might help the recipients receive the message.

Different – a book for Governor DeSantis and other Misguided Individuals

4/1/2022

Why so sad friend? What’s wrong today?

I want to have fun, to run, to play!

There’s no one around, no friends anywhere.

I see someone who could be a friend over there.

They’re different. It’s weird. We don’t look the same.

I don’t know them at all. I don’t know their name.

Whoa little friend, don’t be dismayed.

Friends come in all colors, in all different shades.

You could believe different things, it’s fine, it’s okay

Don’t let that stop you from making new friends today.

Your words might be different, but don’t make a fuss

It’s good to make friends who are different than us.

But what about them? Are they good or bad?

Their family is different, I’ve got a mom and a dad.

Families come in different packages too

It doesn’t mean they’re much different than you.

Some families are pink, and some families are blue

Some families and friends come in rainbow hues too.

What matters is that their families love one another,

That they are honest and kind and support each other.

What about them – that really big crowd?

It is hard to ignore them they’re shouting so loud.

Their noises are angry, they’re hurting my heart.

Why are they trying to tear my new friends apart?

“This is morally wrong, unacceptable, outrageous!

I don’t like that they’re different! What if it’s…. contagious?”

Oh them? We tell them there’s no room for hate.

We’re patient. We’re kind. We educate.

We hope that they learn to be friends and they know

That in all paths of life, there’s more than one way to go.

Stop for a minute and just look around.

Look at all the amazing colors you’ve found.

Friends come in all different shapes, abilities, and sizes.

But do you know what the greatest, most wonderful surprise is?

It doesn’t matter what’s different, what sets us apart.

What matters the most is what’s inside our heart.

Inside we’re the same, all beautiful and kind

With great imaginations and a beautiful mind.

Where are you off to my friend, you’re in such a hurry?

I’m going to go make new friends, and I’m not going to worry,

If they are different or the same, because in the end

All that matters is that I found a new friend.