Desert Dweller

I Don’t Love You Because You’re Black
I love you because you are kind
and intelligent.

I love your warmth,
your strength,
your vulnerability.

I love you because you are enthusiastic,
because of your joie de vivre,
because of your talents, hopes, dreams,
your compassion.

I don’t love you because you’re Black.

I love you because
you listen without judgment,

comfort without advising,

help without expectation.

I don’t love you because you’re Black.

I love you because you cry when you’re in pain,
laugh when you’re happy,
skip and dance in celebration.

I don’t love you because you’re Black.

I love you because when you’re near,
I feel energized, challenged, and invigorated.
I love you because
when you’re close, I feel safe, nurtured, and loved.

I don’t love you because you’re Black.

I love you
because you’re a beautiful human being.

© 2020 Bruno Talerico 

if you don’t like this poem, try substituting the bold-letter words with any of the following:

gay, straight, lesbian, asian, american, atheist, transsexual, fat, talented, muslim, old, wealthy, hispanic, addicted, 
conservative, disabled, christian, skinny, indian, artistic, caucasian, a gambler, liberal, asexual, religious, brown, intelligent, poor, mormon, vanilla, illiterate, young, creative, alcoholic, libertarian, gorgeous, buddhist, lazy, jewish, african, kinky, a hooker, centrist, a soldier, a politician, a priest, a bird-watcher, hindu, a nurse, athletic, a lawyer, a ravens fan,