Don’t tell me that my eyes are like stars Don’t tell me my hair is soft as silk Do not tell me I am beautiful just based off of the skin I was born in, the bone placement I did not pick, and the voice I speak with Tell me my mind is a terrible, terrifying, intriguting place Tell me that my dreams are orange sunlight hitting skyscrapers in the late afternoon, making the whole city look on fire Tell me through chokes of laughter that you never want to leave my side because no one can make your insides glow like that My mind is who I am My words and actions are a reflection of who I choose to be My outsides consist of a genetic assignment I am not a body or face I am soul

I spent three weeks in Australia with National Geographic. I met incredible people, saw some kangaroos, and swam in crystal clear waters. Enjoy.