Color Coded

I hate the color pink,
It’s association with frilly dresses and delicacy got me to think;
Pink is for girly girls 
Blue is for Tom Boys 
The difference was clear, rules were written in ‘irreversible’ ink.

Announcing an admiration accomplishes an astringent,
Boys bouncing basketballs are believed to be brilliant 
Colors captured categories carefully yet callously, contrastingly 
Daughters who danced delicately were denied discussion

One basketball court for all to share
Two sides of the playground filled with laughter
Three long jump ropes followed by chants

Yet from a young age, we were limited 
Rules were black and white 
School bell rings, time goes by 
Change doesn’t happen overnight

Recess restrictions made me realize,
Reality resembles a rainbow 
To embrace pink is to embrace my younger self,
The girl who experienced confusion firsthand,
The one who hid her love from herself

My past was blue 
My future is pink
Today I mix them and get a new hue 
Tomorrow I'll use every color 
I'll give them new meanings and know my feelings matter

Announcing an admiration accomplishes applause 
Breaking free of blistering beliefs
Chalk covered concret, children continue coloring 
Dancing delicately begins new discussions

A single color shouldn’t define your potential 
Rules can be rewritten 
Colors can create connections