“On the Politics of Being Too Much” in its original format:
bold bright
we take up space
e x p a n d i n g
between wheelchair rim and performance stage
between furled wrist and plastic straw
between red lips and medical forms
between silver hoop earring and boardroom doorframe
between bloody tampon and leather bucket seat
between LED streetlamp and gritty dirt
our silhouettes dance guarded eyes laughing loud
yet, it’s an illusion we’re ever (really) seen
except through movement and tone of
voice
in a reality defined by “normal”
they are unable to discern our contributions from the subtle shift in wind
they feel (only) coolness blocking out the sun
they see (only) the change in equation
their shifting future
they are afraid almost always
you and me melting into squishy hurt feelings
doesn’t help
we live real to us
dreaming
creating
molding a future
every
sound
breath
heartbeat
an omen of purpose
HIVES 