Color Coded
By: Ariana Miranda
Wheaton High School
Grade: 12
Montgomery County, MD
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