barcodes of identity/Faith Toutant

it’s not like a barcode
black and white
strips aligned ceasing to 
blend together

it’s not a map
defined lines forbidding 
junction of states in
creating one

it’s not as a ruler is to graphs
plotting point A to B
finishing off with permanent
pen marked narrow line 

there is not
only one method to 
correction
not a proportional relationship
slope has no place in
identity 
Intersectionality 

but

it is like a barcode
multiple lines varying
sized & tightly knit in
creating cohesiveness

one line on its own
will not register, only an 
absence of meaning 
nothing

a barcode 
comprised of every line
upon scanning reveals 
a symbolic message of an 
 item
person
identity
 the code
of every line being
indispensable


it is like a map
each state offering its
 own uniqueness
beauty of seasons
 landmarks
history
experiences
each state alone will not stand
together, stronger with
intentions of unity
 
it is like a ruler is to graphs
connecting points
together to make 
sense of each number
as a whole 
and a ratio of identities 
creating the proportional 
relationship 
that is the integral 
makeup of humanity

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