A poem by Heidi written during Marriage Equality survey.
Here I sit
Quietly waiting, quietly dreading, quietly crying inside whilst my precious and private life becomes public and banter. Reading, hearing, seeing the words of debate and sometimes hate slowly old memories and emotions resurface, teasing and testing me yet again.
As I wave at the neighbours and chat at the letterbox, smile at the local residents as I walk down my street.
I wonder ….. are you voting and will it be Yes ?
As I wait in line at the café and smile at the other customers, offering to pick up the coins you just dropped on the floor.
I wonder ….. are you voting and will it be Yes ?
As I stand at the bus stop waiting for the bus amongst others, I offer to help you with your heavy bag into the parcel shelf and assist you with directions and best place to get off.
I wonder ….. are you voting and will it be Yes?
As I sit next to you in a room among others, a fellow student within a class of many of shared study and helping one another.
I wonder ….. are you voting and will it be Yes ?
As I stand side by side next to you my work colleagues that I respect and admire, together we are a team.
I wonder ….. are you voting and will it be Yes?
As I post on social media along with the funny videos I may share, along with the day to day family and life goings on, Facebook friends and acquaintances
I wonder ….. are you voting and will it be Yes?
As our lives, our partners, our loved ones, our families, our very identity is discussed and debated. Used as political fodder, reminded by many that we are unnatural and a threat to the very community that we all participate in and contribute to.
I wonder are you voting ….. and will it be Yes?
And so amongst this public discussion, amongst this very public debate and choice provided to you on me and my family.
I wonder ….. Does my relationship impact on you?
I wonder ….. Is my family any less value than yours?
I wonder ….. Is my sexuality your business?
I wonder ….. How would my equality threaten you?
I wonder ….. do you know the person who waves to you, Chats to you at the letterbox, smiles at you in line waiting for coffee, sitting beside you in the classroom, waiting at the bus stop, helping you, and standing beside you at the workplace.
I wonder ….. are you voting and will it be Yes ?