Inclusion: Three Parts

by jamie mondrow

Inclusion means to our family

acknowledging this is our normal

and we're all welcome 

what you see is what you get

unless it's been a rough day

after being up all night

and we're all tiredorhungryoroverstimulatedordon'tknow

just like you sometimes

and we're all welcome

Inclusion means to my son

acknowledging his ideas even if they're off topic

and he's free to wear a Sheriff Woody costume to dinner

but it's not ok to pick your nose or take off your clothes

in public

and everyone has a right to feel safe

even that man though he looks different than you

and even he is free to wear a Woody costume to dinner

but it's not ok to pick your nose or take off your clothes

in public

Inclusion means to you

acknowledging my family and my son

could be your neighbors, your sister's kid or behind you on a plane

and maybe we could be your friends

because we are fun and kind and a little bit cool

and maybe we would invite you to a barbeque

because we like to do that too

and we could laugh and tell you half dreams and truths about 

what it's like 

and maybe we could be your friends