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  • Writer's pictureJulie Chen
    • Apr 19, 2020
    • 1 min read

Red

I was the color of strength and honor

the knight’s raised shield, protecting a child.

I was the one who brought luck and prosperity

the calligraphed banner pasted beside a door on New Year’s Eve.

I was the one others bowed down to

the flowing, scarlet cape of a highly-ranked Spartan.


But that was once upon a time.


I am the color of fear and panic

the roaring, crackling wildfire, ravaging abandoned homes.

I am the one who silently screams danger

the wailing ambulance siren that cries for a lost life.

I am the one that makes others back away

the growing pool of crimson staining white tiles.


I didn’t choose my identity.

Has anyone ever thought

maybe I’m just misunderstood?

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