Why is it that I was born in a safe country, embraced by my parent’s loving arms
While another like me was born and soon abandoned in a dirty orphanage?
What was the difference between him and I?
Why is it that I had the privilege to scamper my beautiful streets, wildly laughing and carefree,
While children like I, joyfully kicking a soccer ball on a glorious beach,
Were blown up, only because they happened to be “in the wrong place at the wrong time”?
What was the difference between them and I?
Right now I peacefully relax at home whilst typing gibberish on a sleek, gorgeous laptop,
While a girl like me, who has just as much potential and motivation as I,
Stands instead at home, perfecting only her motherly skills and house chores…
What is the difference between her and I?
Nothing
There is no difference between them, her, him, and I.
Grab a marker and draw lines, representing national borders, on your body
And when you trip and look down to a gushing, bleeding wound
Dare to tell me:
That the wound does not affect the rest of you,
That it does not affect your mind and your movements,
Because the wound only lies within the “borders” of one part of you
Dare to tell me:
That the skin within a particular “border” on your body
Is absolutely, utterly different than the skin everywhere else.
And therefore, it is intolerable and should be treated harshly
Because being different is rightfully, and solely a crime.
Dare to tell me:
That the person who lives next door to me
Is a terrorist, scum bag, or criminal
Because the colour of their skin, or what they wear on their head
Proves them guilty and finagle
Dare to tell me,
Of every hateful thought your heart holds
Dare to tell me,
Until dawn follows noon
Dare to tell me,
Until your words have exhausted you
And then I’ll ask,
What is the difference between you and I?
Nothing.
Above all our contending beliefs,
everything that sets us aside,
We are humans:
Without borders
Without barriers
Except the ones we individually
Choose to fabricate.
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