I Due North

Written by Jessica North

Photography by Laurie North

I once found myself lost, broken defeated, silent. Each day was a day in shadows. Living a life to make it by, but inside, my presence was a lie. Going through the motions with nothing left to spare, my heart full of emotions, but my head whispers “shhh”. Don’t you dare! Excuse after excuse, turning around any corner almost there, but hit in the face with a border. You can’t say this. You can’t be that. That’s wrong. How can you be this way? I hate you! You CAN NOT BE GAY! Enough is enough. Say what you want, but I now know it’s my time to be tough! Shredding layer by layer and the colors reveal, I will no longer kneel. No more hate, no more tears, no more neglect, no more pain, no more silence, no more denying, even better no more fears. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Purple. These colors mean something to me. Let me explain and help you understand what I see. Life is short. Why be so negative and drain the light out like a port? Love is something you share, never something you keep. If love was a choice, ask yourself how would anyone have a voice? A voice is a powerful source. Imagine standing tall or even better, gliding through the storm with superior force. Never be silent. Be loud, be proud. The key is positivity. The key is joy. The key is beauty. The key is hope. The key is kindness. The key is love. The key is freedom! Open your lock of whatever it may be, walk through the frame and have absolutely no shame. Be who you are each and every day. Hold on to yourself and never let go. Shine your light bright. No one can take your color away! Go ahead and leave the darkness astray!