10 February 2013
Of the unknown.
Melissa, Who lives on her own, Not a mean bone in her body Giver of the best hugs.
I admit, I do not know What exactly you expect From these people Because that's what they are People Whose brains may run on Different circuits than yours Or make it a little hard to hear them.
Christopher, Who may not remember your name always But his face lights up When you know his.
I see them flow In all shapes and sizes Big, small, wheelchaired, not, Slow, fast, Cared for truly and well.
John, Protected by his big sister Breathing troubles, but A smile that could power the world
They and I, We know each other Understanding, they come To learn, to play, to relax- Whatever their reason, And I'm here To join them, to support.
Justin, Bright-eyed and cheery Always curious about Everything that goes on.
"Are you with a home?" I ask with a smile. "How do you spell your last name?" Some tell me boldly Some, shy, prompt their staff When I sign them in But I always, always smile For who knows if they get enough?
Luke, seventy-five and proud of it Never fails to tell me The latest news from his chair.
This is their refuge To be amongst friends Everyone here is like them Nobody judges, nobody stares Many couples who just couldn't care
Linda, Young, tiny, Her tinny voice always urges, reminds me 'This is my song. It means something to me! Dance!'
If the rest of the world Could see what I see Work as I do Mingle with them, learn their stories Know how vulnerable and brave Each of them is, individual
Claire, With the same outfit she loves Never afraid to tell you What she'd like to say Or what she did- Never runs out of enthusiastic words
Beautiful people But just because they're beyond The 'normal' range of 'different' Makes you afraid, unsure That's okay- but you know as well as I There are people who hate Instead of smile awkwardly Froth Instead of separating Your reaction won't change them Theirs will, cutting and tearing and ripping them apart.
Jay, A style all his own Rocking out to every bit of tune Nobody tells their Jokes of the Day Like he does
Sitting down with them Talking as best they can Playing games, coaxing laughter Amazing, how simple it is- Be friendly to someone And they'll be friendly to you. She just got engaged And his sister's pregnant She loves the color blue He loves the irregularity of rain And I laugh out of joy, That I can have this insight Into life
The Dearling sisters, Adorable to a fault One grumpy, the other sweet Smiles and waves With their wrinkled hands At every glance of a friend
These people, they are lucky- Luckier than others, I know that not all have this chance This community To get together To have such interactions and opportunities Above people who may not.
Aubrey With a victory dance to beat athletes' Celebrates everything in whoops Twinkling eyes ready to enjoy life To the next dance floor
Sometimes they go from us Sometimes they don't come back One person touches everyone else I guess what I'm trying to say, my friend, Is when you think of yourself, Think of the others even deeper. And cherish what you have.
(Okay, a bit of explanation for this: I work at a community education program for adults with disabilities. We host things like seasonal dances, crafts, and bingo for these special needs adults, and power it with copious volunteers from local high schools, which is great. Names were changed because I felt I probably should. I just felt I should write about my opportunity.)
Smile (And Light It Up) • Opuss № I