I Am The Child

I am your child.
I have many names,
Yoni, Ilan, Sarah, Ahmed, Boris.

I am the diffferent child.
I am not able to do things like other children.

My every step is an agony.
my world, confusion.

I struggle to reveal myself to you.
while my body does not do my bidding;
I lean precariously on legs that have no power,
hold things in hands with no control.

My “can’t do’s” are endless, wearying
And your eyes show grief, sorrow, pain.
I am your disappointment,
yet still a child
with a right to exist.
I want to be loved.

I will not be a mathematician
nor excel at language or art;
will make no momentous discoveries;
nor am I destined for great achievements.
I am but a flower in your garden
to grow if nurtured;
to enjoy simple pleasures.

I am the child who needs you to lead me through the world
to enrich my days with interest,
and people my life with gentleness:
to gift me with words of encouragement,
coax me through difficult steps
bring me song, dance, music,
romp with me in the sand and softly lapping waves,
bring sunshine to my smile.

I am your investment in humanity,
the soul and conscience of your world
I love you. Please love me.

Listen to this poem set to music by Patrick Kelley:

https://youtu.be/5UOwCpT68R4