I stood, taking in the bright sun that sparkled against

Carefully constructed costumes,

Custom-fitted, emulating each and every soul perfectly.

Incandescent

Maroon,

Umber,

Emerald,

Topaz,

Ocher,

Lilac,

Russet,

Azure –

All zealously filling the city with a voice

Openly proclaiming pure jubilation

That hasn’t been permitted to thrive until now.

I stood, swaying in a wave of summer laughter

Whose all-encompassing warmth crept its way

Into the smallest crevices between the holes in my heart.

I stood, watching images that made my tears flow –

Rolling over cheek muscles that squeaked,

A smile nearly rusty with lack of use.

I stood, instantly astounded

As negative opinions vanished from familiar faces

And judgments disintegrated to nothing.

Impassioned fingers wound around the edges of truth’s marquee,

Waving banners of hope and joy and peace.

I’ll remember them forever

As templates for unbridled love.

This is where I heard my heart sing,

Its tempo in sync with all of those I see around me,

Those few precious beings that still utilize The Golden Rule.

I stood, among sincere, candid, courageous human beings.

Comrades with rainbow warriors,

what we should fight to be.