Upstairs

Downstairs, we were going to dance.
Downstairs, in our great garish getups,
we were going to show them all
what freedom looks like.

We were going to save the world
with our love.

But downstairs, they didn't like our music.
Downstairs they said our costumes were too strange
and our drumming too loud
and our freedom too free.

Downstairs
is not for us.

Slip out the door and
tip-toe up the steps.
Bring your crazy colors,
your bongo beats,
your groovy tunes-
bring your soul upstairs.

Upstairs, we danced.
Upstairs, our costumes abandoned,
together we felt
what it means to be free.

We didn't save the world.
We saved each other
with our love.