As kids we are taught the difference between right and wrong,

What we can and can’t do, the unspoken rules that string us along

And shape our beliefs and values that turn us into who we are,

Whether you like sport, or travelling, or playing the guitar

These unspoken rules have turned us into us,

Unintentionally creating what society wants, thus

Creating a culture, our social norms and expectations.

But sometimes what we think is right is wrong, and there are violations

In civilisations about these “rules” we abide by,

But what if we didn’t agree on these rules in the first place? We can’t deny

That we don’t get along all the time, but stripping away someone’s self worth

And dignity just doesn’t make sense, because we were all put on this Earth

As equals, as one, and it’s heartbreaking, tormenting, to witness

This unexplained prejudice against people, citizens in our communities.

Who said they didn’t have the fitness to do something that’s never been done?

Who decided they weren’t smart enough to run a country and play a part in something greater than us, in making this fragile world stronger?

It’s like they have this sickness that’s contagious if anyone lets them in, lets them try,

So instead of treating them as they deserve, we hang them out to dry

Until all the moisture, all the love and hope and dreams are soaked out of them

And their souls are tarnished beyond repair, so not even the shiniest gem

Can make them smile again.

They’re just surviving, no longer living.

Who would do this?

When I look in the mirror I want to see myself as someone others admire,

I want that reflection to show the most beautiful, glowing sapphire

That looks lovely on its own, but better on a crown amongst other beautiful gems,

I want to be someone who plants seeds so the stems

Of dreams and hopes can grow, and blossom into trees,

Flowers, or even grass, and cure this disease

Where we soul suck those who aren’t beautiful, bury those who are shy,

Burn those who speak too loudly, and torture those who cry,

But it’s hard to be that person, someone’s knight in shining armour

When there is no one there to be yours, it makes things a lot harder.

When I stare into the eyes of this world, I see past the seas of green and blue,

I see past the rocky landscape, but not before taking in the view,

I look deeper than the craters and trenches, and higher than snowy Everest,

Further than the Antarctic desert, but not because I’m the cleverest,

But because I see what really matters: who we are on the inside.

Yes the ocean is deep, but so are our feelings.

Yes mountains are tall, but so are our ambitions.

Deserts may be vast and empty, but there is beauty in emptiness.

To change our views of this world, we must change.

We must fill people with courage to do the right thing, like my swim coach.

We must throw caution to the wind and not worry what others think of us, like my music teacher.

But most importantly, like my mum we should work tirelessly towards our goals, never giving up on the things that truly matter,

So when you look in the mirror next, you are your own armour, not waiting for someone else to rescue you and make things better. You just look around you and take inspiration from others who too have built their own armour, so we can change things together.