My State

Iowa has always been
An outcast, a standout
An easily recognizable face from the crowd
I identify with Iowa
A girl who never seemed to find a particular
rhythm, purpose or place
But blazed her own path
Lighted only by her ambitions
And the promise of what could be.
There are other states around Iowa
Watching, waiting
teasing, baiting, sneering, hating.
But no other states facilitating.
No other states improving their situation
But Iowa integrated its schools over 80 years
before the rest of em did
So don't tell me Iowa's gonna stop
a loving couple wanting to adopt some kids
Or file joint taxes
Or get spousal benefits
Because just like I don't have to be a young
black student
to believe integrated schools are fair,
There's no one who can give me a
good reason
to disallow two women from putting flowers in
their hair
to prevent two adult men from publicly touching
hands with care.
A reason, untouched by hate and ignorance,
exists not.
You try to preach to me what Jesus taught?
Instead, watch Iowa win boldly
those victories we fought.