I don’t need your labels
I have my own
But you seem to like to label me
Thus the reason for this poem
And what is worse than a label
Defining who you think I am
Is that ugly label of “NON”
Because I don’t belong to your clan
Because I don’t subscribe to your club
You give me the label of “NON”
It may be easier for you and your group
But for me, it’s very wrong
To give me this label for who I’m not
Keeps you from knowing who I might be
I am so much more than just that one
That doesn’t follow your belief
The label “Non” dismisses me
Is that what you wanted to do
Are you the standard for my identity
Are you the holder of what is true
Are you really that confident
That you hold all that's wrong or right
That you and your tribe are clean
That you divide the day and night
Maybe for a moment
You can imagine that we are one
One heart, one soul, one humanity
And the need for labelling is done
Close your eyes and ears for that moment
And reach out to me with your love
Embrace me with your courage
And that just might be enough
Maybe you'll find us not so strange
Maybe you'll get to know
The me beyond your labels
Now that's good seed to sow
It doesn't stop at your heart
It takes courage to right a wrong
To encourage others to love beyond
That label known as "NON"
Love is that courage, that embrace
Love is the only way
Love has the power to make us one
And we must start today
Ask your neighbour who they are
And stop the labels of who they're not
Let's be the ones to make the change
Because the ignorance has to stop
Let's be the chorus in this world
To sing a different song
To honour our sisters and brothers
And get rid of the label of "NON"
© Ruby Neumann
Poets Note: Written February 16, 2021
I am tired of hearing people defined by this label. I used to do it, but it was very ignorant of me. To think I was the standard of another person's identity, was grossly irreverent of me. This poem is not a slam on clubs, clans or tribes. Those have purpose for most people. But having a club, clan or tribe, doesn't require that we look with disdain, even ignorant disdain on someone else that does not belong to our club, clan or tribe. I've been told we all have the same blood that runs through our veins. Maybe it's time that we all embrace the same Love for each other.
This poem is going out to anyone who uses the label of "NON", and to anyone who has felt the sting of being categorized as a "NON".
(Definition of Ignorant: lacking knowledge or awareness)
