Love Is Not An Act Of War [We Are Orlando]

I walk with lovers down sidewalks,
alleyways,
streets,
shopping malls,
parks,
and walkways,
same as you.
But unlike you,
I'm weary.
Something has been taken from me.
Something that wasn't anyone else's to take.
Forever, the rest of my life will be laced with the stigma.
A small and simple notion:
-A kiss
-A hand held by a hand
-A hug
Any form of displayed affection
beyond closed doors can,
and may be,
an act of war.
For if my lips do dare to kiss
the mouth of the one I love,
disapproving bystanders that lose themselves in my sweet,
and innocent state of bliss
might deem it a fit battle-cry.
My brothers and sisters have fallen.
Holes have been planted and shot into them.
They have been massacred.
Love is not an act of war.
Love is a light in the darkness.
It is a hopeful wish,
a want,
and a need for change.
Love is human.
Hate in INHUMANE.
We are all but one people.
The bullets that pierced my brothers
and sisters,
pierce US* not the less,
but mankind more.
Walking on,
through the rubble of fallen stars,
I will carry their light with me.
I will carry the light in open palms.
Hands can form a fist.
They can hold, aim, and shoot a gun.
But, they can also reach, touch, hold, and embrace.
We walk on with open palms.
Love is not an act of war,
but a light in the darkness:
A hopeful wish,
A want,
And a need for change.