Our bodies may seem broken
Our eyes may not see
But what’s inside, unspoken,
Deserves a chance to be,
To be whatever minds can dream,
To reach for higher goals,
Not to simply waste away,
In predetermined roles.
We may not think the way you do:
Our speech may not seem clear,
But listen hard, you’ll hear our Hearts
And know that we’re sincere
About achieving all we can
For we are human, too:
We may have certain limitations
But, gee, so do you.
At least our limits are from without
While yours are from within
Our only obstacle is the world
As seen by “normal” men.
The things you take for granted
We’ve earned through a fight,
An education, a home, a job,
Your basic human rights.
The battles fought are long and hard
But we will win the race
Against a system whose goal, it seems, Is to keep us in our “place.”
We may seem different when looked upon
From society’s point of view.
But ponder this – through our eyes, You seem different, too!
The world cannot be perfect
We can’t all be the same
So I’ll forgive your faults
For you’re really not to blame.
God made us all the way we are.
Each one of us, unique,
To share our love and do our best
As happiness we seek.
All we ask for is a chance.
An opportunity
To live our lives, to learn and grow,
With pride and dignity.
Rick Ross
Community Partners ‘96
