Growing up Purple

I chose not to match the hue that others picked.

Ego bruised by blue, youth pummelled by pink

and if I begin to think, about not settling or slightly off,

my constant friend colour sometimes ain't enough.

Carried through with me, an emblem of my stability,

it's instructions would read: Mix into morning tea and hold close

feelings hot, deep and slowly sipped, sweet,

difficult to stomach, in short. Honest confessions are the hard part.

Outside, eye snap to the flashes in the street, focus

on joy of alternate suggestion. This small defiance of mine,

blossomed in my mind. Strengthened my pride.

Stubbornness, or hope. Not yours, not always mine.