I define me

I define me

Not to whom I may pray 

Or even if I pray

Not with whom I sleep

Not with whom I love

I define me

Not where I live

Not where I work

Not where I may hang out

Not my plethora of friends

Any of these

May alter your expectations

However, your expectations

Based on reality or prejudice

Do not define me

I define me

The passion 

With which I love

Whoever I love

Defines me

The way I live my life

Wherever I may live it

Defines me

My loyalty 

Towards my friends

And my compassion

Toward strangers

Defines me

My acceptance

Of the myriad differences

And understanding

Of our commonalities

Defines me

My honesty with myself

My courage to be me

My dogged determination

Defines me

You do not define me

I define me

I will not live to your definition

I define me

I define me

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

July 23, 2020