Ruler

No bad intentions? that’s your favorite line Magic phrase, keeps you safe every time “Just laugh it off,” “read the room” Yeah, we read it in the way you assume Label maker doing overtime Nationality, gender — sort the line Measuring what you call “normal size” Who made the ruler? who decides? Call me “an exception,” think that’s praise? Template thinking, copy-paste days Jokes shaped soft with rounded edges Still cut deep — professional weapons Hold up a second Is that real? is that pretend? Behind the laughter Someone’s silent again Out or safe? what’s the verdict now? Who’s holding that ruler anyhow? You shout “we’re equal” nice and loud Then measure everybody in the crowd Can you drop that filter? You call it clear — it’s tinted color “Like a woman,” “be a man” Still running on that ancient plan? Longer than my passport stamp I’ve lived right here — still out of camp? Even algorithms learned the bias Auto-update, silent compliance Big diversity banner hung Same old faces in the room “Too sensitive” — convenient phrase One short line and you erase Silence feels the safest mode Yeah, that’s just the easy road No bad intent That’s how it’s been You’re overthinking That holy trinity excuse Logs someone out again Out or safe? what’s the verdict now? Who’s gripping that ruler anyhow? You scream “we’re equal” proud and loud Still drawing borders in the crowd Can you drop that filter? You call it clear — it’s tinted color Say what!? Sorting skills elite Say what!? Smiling while you draw the lines so neat Jokes on the surface, nerves underneath Invisible wounds don’t heal easy Out or safe? what’s the verdict now!? Still clutching that ruler somehow!? You yell “we’re equal!” to the sky While splitting us side by side Rip that filter off! Clear? That’s just your gloss!