Differences

I can't change the color of my skin, 
         my race, my looks - just to suit you.
This was how I was created and I like myself,
                     just the way I am.
You are not the maker of humankind or elephants . . . 
you are only a mere mortal . . . just like me
              . . . just like elephants . . .

I cannot and will not change my love to suit you. 
  You did not put that flow of warmth in my heart . . . 
                     my loins . . . 
it is a river, 
richly teaming with the liquor of existence . . 
You are not the creator of my heart . . 
        or its longings . . . 
        You do not know why the whale sings her song . . .. 

I cannot change the foundation of my being 
                          for you 
 - dreaming of my gods 
and living my laws which were laid on me from my birth . . 
         along with my language and my customs . . . 
These were chosen for me while I was still an angel . . 
                   watching this blue marble sing in the heavens . . . 

I am part of this kaleidoscope of life
                            the differences of trees
                                                  and stars
                                                        and oceans
The skin of this earth
which holds us in an embrace . .. 
             that . . . 
                  loves us . . . 
                           denies us . . 
                                   scars us . . . . 
                                           and kills us . .
We have only ourselves . . . to make strong . . .

You can hate me, if you wish, . . . 
     because I am not you . . . 
               and I will walk away . . . 
                       on a dusty pathway of love that lifts me
                                       into the ether . . .
           . . . you cannot change me 
                              . . . and I do not want to change you . . . .

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