In a recent post, eightbitsamurai wrote about (among other things) building an identity besides the one others project on you. Ultimately he said, "I’d like to be whatever I damn well please, and let my actions speak for my personality. Not my skin color."
Being "whatever I damn well please," though, is not a slamdunk, regardless of race, especially when skin, race, gender, orientation might put us in danger. When in danger of being bashed or assaulted, we might "be" different on the outside. How do we go about feeling, finally, comfortable in our own skin? It sounded to me like an opportunity for free association word play, but these questions can take you anywhere you go. I'll post later...
I'd like to be whoever I damn well please
I want to walk with ease
and feel entitled
to breathe the air
to breathe the air
to breathe.
I'd like to be whoever I damn well please.
The world around me does not prevent this, but the demons dwelling inside.
I want to feel compassion. I want to feel kind.
I want the courage to leave jealousy and hatred behind.
When I think of the people who have changed my life,
I wonder why I'm not more like them.
Sincerity, support, and genuine, smiling eyes.
What makes me lesser in character?
Why do I lack that love toward mankind?
A mindfulness of this, I hope, will change me in time.
I'll mold my character and be the light we all hope to find.