Different Poem by Socheata Mok

I don't know what you're thinking
I can't read what's on their minds
People stared as I kept walking
They don't know how to turn the volume down

I guessed they must've forgotten I'm human too
With their words slicing like knives
All they talk about is how I'm different
As if my existence can't be define as life

Physically and mentally, I've been hurt
But don't preach me wrong
Don't draw a line between me and other people
Just to make me feel more alone

If we'd switched positions, would you still be laughing now?
Or would you be crying like I did anyway?
Would you be able to understand how it felt?
When nobody treats you the same?

If I am different then what is normal?
Perhaps your definition of 'equal' isn't like mine
Maybe you don't know what you're doing
Whether it's right or wrong

'Don't judge a book by it's cover'
Haven't you heard this saying before?
I'm still a person like you inside
Even though we don't share some common things

So don't tell me that I'm mistaken
You haven't heard me spoke at all
And when I do, I'll make it loud
However, will it be loud to make you listen?

I just want you to realize that everyone is different
However there are ways we can be the same
By getting to know one person
You can take away their pain