A Tribute to the Strong

I have learned…

That the blind cannot see colour,

The deaf cannot hear laughter,

The mute cannot say “Please” or “Thank You”.

Yet are surrounded by the world,

By those who can do what they cannot,

By those who do not understand their needs.

I have found…

That the lonely cry alone,

Outside the invisible barrier,

Behind a mask of their own creation,

Longing to enter,

But not knowing how.

I have seen…

The rejected reclaim their own,

Fighting to find what they have lost,

Longing and aching.

I have known…

The wounded that hide their infirmities,

Behind a glittering countenance,

That they might help those they love.

To all who have struggled without end,

To all who have fought for a purpose,

To all who have lived surrounded by what they don’t have,

To all who have allowed pain to be their teacher…

This is a tribute,

To the Strong.