Still on the Sideline

Standing on the sideline unseen

A detritus of streamers and flags

Ground into pavement by late night traffic

Shouting echoes from bars and clubs

Evaporates into the humid, sticky air.

We yelled and cheered at each float

Reached for beads and candy thrown

Saw the hope, the promise of acceptance

Believed we could change the world this time.

Standing on the sideline unseen

Chastising myself for believing the lie

We are the changers, the movers and shakers

Inviting you into our world to celebrate our lives

Only to be exploited for corporate gain,

And political convenience.

You gave evidence of your true intention

Seen in the products you offered for a price

To be marked down when we are no longer relevant

And the signage you forgot to change on your float

The only Black Lives Matter placard in the Gay Pride parade.

I am not naïve to the realities of our world, this country

I have bought my share of dollar store favors produced in

Foreign countries by people whose disdain is greater

Than our own country and capitalists and power brokers

I understand that first we must be a commodity before

We can be seen, accepted, is it too much to hope embraced.

I will continue to attend the parades and celebrations

Suspending my cynicism along the five mile parade route

I will find a place to hope and believe inclusion is possible

Even just one heart being changed or open from the festivities

Just one or two reaching out to me, reaching out to us is progress

I will be your commodity, if you will be my ally.