Lisa Strawn, “I Can’t Imagine.”
I can’t imagine how it would feel to be whole, to feel as if I am equal to everyone around me.
I can’t imagine to be able to walk down the street and not have anyone point at me because they think I am a freak.
I can’t imagine a world where I’m not the victim of a bully.
I can’t imagine how it must feel to be fully free from ignorance.
I can’t imagine that normal is me and not the ideal of how others want me to be.
I can’t imagine how love is supposed to be, instead of for some, but for everyone.
I can’t imagine why I can’t choose my life, my gender, my own bathroom, but only told you’re different, you don’t fit in.
I can’t imagine a world without racism and violence inflicted on those who try to make a difference.
I can’t imagine that I can truly be who I say I am and not be ridiculed for it.
I can’t imagine being alone for so long that I wonder if anyone cares.
I can’t imagine that my life matters to others, even though they don’t know me.
I can’t imagine that equality means everyone and everything, for these things hold true somewhere, somehow.
But for now, I can’t imagine.
Lisa Strawn, CMF [California Medical Facility} Vacaville.
These commentaries are recorded by Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio.
