Revisiting the Blog: It's Not Okay. . .

(CS: This is still one of my favourite pieces that I've written. This is from all the way back in October 2010, so there is likely a lot of readers that have never seen it. This is the type of writing that I don't do as much but would like to start challenging myself to do again.)

It's not okay you're scared to hold hands in public,

Because every couple deserves the right to express their love.

It's not okay they're developing on that land without compensation.

Because it is and was rightfully yours.

It's not okay you have that black eye,

Because if he really loves you, he'll express his anger properly.

It's not okay that you can't find a job,

Because your skin colour should never be a detriment.

It's not okay you had to walk through spit and curses,

Because you have the right to decide what to do with your body.

It's not okay you are going to bed hungry,

Because it only reinforces that we all turned our back on your family.

It's not okay you overheard them say, 'He's pretty smart for a. . .'

Because that thought process is the reason that we even have a problem.

It's not okay you have to constantly hear how you are ruining marriage,

Because committed love has never ruined anything.

It's not okay they yelled that you're the problem with this country,

Because bigotry and ignorance are the real problem.

It's not okay now that you heard the word 'sorry',

Because the harm was done by actions and can now only be fixed by action.

It's not okay you can't choose anywhere to hold your place of worship,

Because that is exactly what freedom of religion says you can do.

It's not okay he guilt trips you for making that difficult decision,

Because where was he when you first found out your life was about to change.

It's not okay you were forced out of your home,

Because bulldozers don't equal progress, especially if it creates more homeless.

It's not okay she clutched her purse when you passed by,

Because a criminal should be defined by their crimes not by their appearance.

It's not okay they filed court injunctions,

Because you just wanted to talk and discuss your rights to the land.

It's not okay your child is labeled the bad kid,

Because being bored and not having needs met is not the fault of the child.

It's not okay you heard someone say, "That's so gay!",

Because someone's lifestyle isn't an insult.

It's not okay you feel shame that you didn't have enough for that bag of milk,

Because community should mean support and compassion not survival of the privileged.

It's not okay you get stopped and IDed everywhere you go,

Because you are just as much a citizen as the ones who question you.

It's not okay you don't know what decisions are being made,

Because your government is responsible to you and not the other way around.

It's not okay they always remind you of the mistakes and demons of your past,

Because if they can't move on, then how can they expect you to.

It's not okay they won't let their kid play with your child because you're different,

Because we're all different, and we still need to live and cooperate with each other.

It's not okay when they tell you that they're taking back their country from you,

Because if they go to the 'reserves' they'll find out whose land it really is.

It's not okay if you have to wonder all day if he'll be angry tonight or not,

Because nobody deserves to live in fear in their very own home.

It's not okay you lost the social program that was helping you get by,

Because it isn't the stable and well off that need breaks and assistance.

It's not okay she constantly hounds you about the apparent sin in your lifestyle,

Because sin is harmful, and love is good.

It's not okay that my life has been privileged and blessed,

Because that just means I have far more responsibilities to better my world.