"John"

What worlds turn behind your almond eyes, that ready smile,

that childish innocence that lingers long when you are gone?

I feel your warmth through chubby hands and stubby fingers

of a child. You will not make old bones in this cold life

of sticks and stones and superstitious fears. Some careless god

cut short your years; played blackjack with your chromosomes

in a game that you could never understand. One extra card,

but still, a losing hand.

Cast in a mould that’s neither man nor boy. Simpler some might say;

when each new day brings joy in small things, and laughter cools

your pebble tongue. Your moon face shows no trace of seething rage

or wrong that you will never be the butterfly - trapped within

your caterpillar cage. There are those who taunt you, mock you

say you should be locked away - or lost before you live. They never try

to understand or see beyond appearances, they never know or feel

the love you have to give.

What world do you see? Sometimes it must seem out of reach and cruel.

But you can teach those who will listen, there’s more to you

than meets the eye, that you’re not here just to play their fool.

To know you and to better understand your undemanding needs

we come to better know our own. That compassion shown

with patience is its own reward. Behind our masks sometimes

we all need someone on whom we can depend, and all you ask of us

is see me, be my friend.