Allies Promise by Caela Collins

I may not say all the right things.

I won’t always be the first to know or understand. 

I will never feel the true weight of your burdens or carry your individualistic fears. 

But I will not abide by any pride that human nature has allowed to reside within me. 

I won’t use loving words of any faith and disfigure it with incorrect citations of hate. 

I will hear what you say when you speak because listening isn’t quite the same sentiment.

My heart will grab a hold of you as my eternal sibling.

There will always be a teachable moment for me but my intentions shall remain pure.

When you defy the current format of “equality,” I will always be by your side. 

I will challenge any bias that surfaces on the journey of my own evolution. 

I will educate those who need it the most even if we’re bound by blood. 

I will honor you because you breathe the same air as me. 

I will respect you because you put one foot in-front of the other like me. 

I love you simply because you’re human.

I Promise.

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This piece is part of Breakthrough’s program By & For; An initiative to amplify the lived experiences of creative girls and gender non-conforming youth of color in authentic, nuanced, and respectful ways, and provide them with platforms to share their own creative work, on their own terms. Support By & For here.