For Us All

children do not understand the differences

between able and handicapped

they may be a certain age before the meaning

grips their reasoning to be used in fights

demeaning friend, frenemy, foe

and there, it seems, it is arrested,

where we pull these prickly thorns from memory
intending the greatest hurt in any argument

but we are not children and we understand

that differences exist, that the playing field

is never going to be level or fair

but it doesn’t mean we love anyone less,

it doesn’t mean we should shut the infirmed

from our world, rather the more capable

can offer a helping hand, the gift of time spent,

a smile, a touch, a cup of coffee, applause.

it is good to give, to encourage, to teach

we are our brothers and sisters keepers

let the Light shine in and through for us all.