View from My Balcony

I stand here looking out from my balcony,
I stand here watching the world.

I watch as the sun lights up the cloudless sky above,
I watch as the children play in the streets below.
The sunshine that brings laughter, smiles and fun;
The sunshine that brings happiness.

I feel my world shake as I hear the thunder boom through the land,
The light blue, cloudless sky now dark.
The lightning flashing through the sky,
Like the searing pain in my heart.

I look below to everyone running for shelter,
Screaming back at the tormenting noise in the sky.
Here I stand, high on my balcony,
Watching these naïve, judgemental people.

I watch how they smile when they see 18 year old David serenading 16 year old Anne,
I watch how they frown when they see two 20 year old men holding hands while walking in the park,
Or two 20 year old women kissing while sitting under a tree, enjoying their picnic like everyone else.

I watch and wonder what our little children will turn out to be.
Will they be open minded and accepting of others,
Or will they be amongst those who frown upon them,
Because they are the few who are not afraid of who they really are;
Not afraid of showing the world their true colours.

I stand here remembering how I was once judged.
Judged for telling people who I am – allowing them to see
I stand here remembering being pushed outside in the pouring rain;
The fence in front of me, keeping me from everyone else,
Jailed within my own body, own conscience.

People shouting and pointing at the outcast behind the fence,
Dogs barking ferociously at something they do not recognise.

Will the judging ever stop?
Will these naïve people ever realise that I am just a reflection of them;
Perhaps that is why they hate me yet I do not hate myself.

Or will I just be expected to stand here on my balcony,
Searching the turbulent sky,
And allow the rain to come in over my face,
And wash away my shame?

07/01/2007
©AGK