The Binary Code

The binary code is plastered everywhere

from the billboard of the new romance movie

to the books that have shaped our history. 

The binary code is ingrained in our heads

as we see the magazines, 

Or our feeds showing us the perfect picture

that we don't fit into. 

And when you don't fit into society—

When you're not just zeros and ones—

You're told to change to fit the code,

Or told to stay hidden so that no one will know. 

Maybe I'm a zero—

I'm just trying to stay alive,

But the binary code clamps down on my life

telling me to like him,

because it's in my blood that goes back to the start of time

when that book of binary code was created. 

The doctors say you shouldn't tell them things

if they don't fit into the binary expectation, 

Because if you diverge from society with something you can't control

go into the asylum instead,

Maybe then they'd change you

to be binary. 

But every day, I still hope

that society won't always be zeros and ones,

And those white walls will come crashing down;

I will still stand my ground

Even in this binary world,

Where I'm expected to be that perfect girl.