Graffiti or Our Minds —
The perceptions that we take as normal,
Is not some fixed entity that is immortal.
It has been shaped and moulded over time,
By the hands, eyes and words of others.
The lazy and sloppy hands of division,
That keeps things within old drawers —
Binds us all with chains of labels,
Misperceptions and social upbringing.
The marks on me by me is not me,
The marks on you by me is not you.
Marks are just temporary illusions —
They change from one person to another.
If you know this then you can see clearer —
We are shaped by our various perceptions.
But there was never a mark or a blemish on us —
Not originally, or actually — not really any!
Beneath our temporary markings —
Is a pure skin undiscriminated.
Unblemished and still beautiful,
Without any real colours,
Without stains or dyes —
Beyond the markings of time,
Beyond the graffiti of our minds.
— Luan V Dinh