The end of learning [The book banners are right about something]

It’s a universal right for 

each forsaken human being 

to hear stories about people 

thriving in all different ways

coming from all start conditions

of biology, class, gender,

culture, ethnic groups, geogra-

phy, the list goes on for days

and we can’t predict which stories 

will connect to which small humans

but connection to a tale of 

thriving we need to impart, 

because remedying hopelessness 

is both complex and simple: 

everybody needs a vision 

they can hold inside their heart.

For a swan and ugly duckling 

aren’t the same thing – you might think so – 

but the consciousness a swan has 

but the duckling lacks is key

ugly ducklings live out stories 

they can’t find a way to thrive in

but that changes when they learn of 

swans and think “that could be me”

But if we allow one parent 

to prevent their kid from hearing

stories that might give that kid hope 

we are party to abuse.

Queer folx never had a chance to 

thrive as straight; that’s not an option, 

we can move from doomed to thriving 

when new scripts are introduced.

In the story of creation 

God gave Adam the decision

out of all created beings 

just what preference he would voice.

For the Holy One presented

him with tapeworms, goats, and llamas 

as potential life companions

And God left it Adam’s choice.

And the Earthling formed in Eden

chose the woman as his life mate

but to focus on the details

of that one’s mans choice seems strange

For existence precedes essence

and we all must build a meaning

for each life’s a different pattern

that each person must arrange.

So yes it is exposure

to queer stories that transform us 

but it’s  only the right stories 

for each person that will do.

When we’re hopeless undead zombies 

plodding through life without vision 

the right image might ignite a 

spark of  hope in me or you.

My heart goes out to the queer kids 

‘cause I wish I’d found that vision

long before the years it took me 

but this need goes far beyond.

Everybody needs a vision 

of just what a life of purpose 

could be shaped like in their context.

And to that we must respond.

The right stories for each person

can unlock the hope within us.

If we try to live the wrong ones

there’s a lot that can destroy.

Our creator longs for us to

find the fullness of our being

Called to life and life abundant

Called to love and hope and joy.

Gracious living will look different

as each separate person finds it

but the object of our learning

is to find a way to thrive

When we latch on to the stories

that at long last are the right fit

we’ll unlock our maker’s purpose

for us, finally alive