Hinges by Keith Allison
They wanted me
to stay inside their box,
to color
inside their lines
They wanted me
to stay inside their box,
easily judged,
easily classified
They wanted me
to stay inside their box,
afraid,
if my box moved,
their box would
topple from its
comfortable perch
They wanted me
to stay inside their box,
but their box
was narrow
and empty
They wanted me
to stay inside their box,
but there were
hinges on the lid
Keith Allison is a father, educator, public speaker, video editor, poet, and spoken word artist. He uses poetry to express his hopes for a more just and compassionate world for humans and nonhumans alike, and to vent his frustrations when we seem so far from accomplishing that goal. He has authored three books, including the soon-to-be published, Continuity Flaws. You can find his work at www.angrycowpoetry.com