16th August 2019

summer fashion
includes raincoats and puffer jackets
damp dogs

© Rachel Green 2019

Be yourself,
when sticks and stones
gain in popularity;
when the tide has shifted
from liberal to fascist
and the smiles you received
have turned to glares
and the pleasantries to slurs.

Be yourself
when even The Guardian
has transphobic editors
and the institutions of Reason
bow to right-wing bigotry.

Be yourself
when the Religious Right
condemns the queer community
but protects paedophiles
and misogynists.

Be yourself
when Parliament
openly lies to the public
and the President
is proud to molest women.

Be yourself
and shout as they drag you down.
Be yourself.

© Rachel Green 2019