Kaleidoscope

"When you judge another, you do not define them; you define yourself."

- Wayne Dyer -

I wrote this as my first attempt at slam poetry, so each line has a very distinct rhythm and emphasis. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it'll be the same on paper, but what is there to lose?

"Kaleidoscope"

Gaze.

When you look, look in me -

Not at me, not through me, not back at me as you turn your back on me and walk away

Amazed.

By the depth of your stare - 

But the lack of detail, of knowledge

So unaware of your portrait's missing hues

Allow me to cue you in:

That glance produced a mere sketch

A scribble to the right, a smudge on the left

An outline of what's inside, so out of line, access denied

Just a passerby... seeing a single shade

The green on my scarf, the white on my face

A world torn apart - seam ripped, edges frayed

All because you judged me.

Drawing preconceived notions with ignorance

Painting tainted construals of arrogance

Connecting dots using narrow-minded measurements

The product so precise, yet so inaccurate...

I'm a masterpiece.

But you stripped away my layers

Oversimplified complexity

Picked apart my colors

Dissecting my kaleidoscope being

I'm more than my style, my complexion

Full of weakness, imperfection

As strong and resilient as I am blemished...

I am human.

And you and I, we're two hearts the same

Two hearts of humanity

Two souls, two brains

But your vantage point is flawed.

See, violence is vogue; the new fashion is injustice

You wear it so well, accessorizing with destruction

As you break a person down -

As you criticize and scrutinize and hate

Or turn a blind eye and fail to relate

To reach out your hand before it's too late

Because your permanent ink will surely leave marks.

So gaze.

And when you look, look in me -

Not at me, not through me, not back at me as you turn your back on me and walk away

Be amazed.

Eyes closed and heart wide open

Learn to accept, to respect, to appreciate...

To love.