sweet escape

I am her, that
plainly clothed nerdy woman
with the unkept hair
MEC bag and simple,
regularly manufactured shoes.
but I’m also smiling.

I am him, that
stylishly flamboyant man
frosted tips, simple 1/2 frames
a scarf to ward off the
fashion police.
but I’m also grimacing.

I am her, that
common downtown whore,
silver sneakers match the
silver wrapper of her chocolate bar,
huddling for hours in doorways.
but I’m also lost.

I am him, that
desperately urban young male,
white as surrender flags
hugging the solemn character
of conformity on the outside,
listening to Gwen Stefani
secretly on the skytrain.
but I’m also asking for acceptance.

I am me, that
slowly and surely found man,
an observation pen in hand,
longing to follow religious leaders
in a quest for morality
hell bent on discovering simple ways
to grow my altruism,
humbled by others in this quest for experiences.
but I’m also escaping.