``

the pale yellow light of dawn

burrows it’s way between

my glitter smeared eyelids,

prodding and poking

my brain awake.

shifting beneath the thin white sheets,

i rouse my tired limbs from their grasp

and shake sleep and confetti

from my head.

the sun draws rainbow fractals

on the opposite wall—

the universe still in celebration

even though june ended

a few hours before.

and i smile,

because even the galaxy

appreciates me,

recognises me

for who i am:

not just a commodity

or a publicity ploy

for companies who never cared

before the sixth month

rolled around,

tacking rainbows

onto anything and everything,

shouting “ally!”

with false sincerity in their dead eyes.

no,

the stars and planets and asteroids

see me as a human,

one that is proud

every month,

every day,

every second

not just when society

has told me

i am allowed to be proud,

to be myself

but once the month is over

to please be quiet

and complacent.

i will not be quiet,

i will celebrate myself

and the love i share

whenever the moment strikes.

i will yell,

and i will cry,

and i will continue to

take up space

each and every day

because i am deserving,

and i am proud.