Some pretend they don’t see

the burden he carries

As if their blind eye

can negate his truth



Still he is there, smiling



Passing by casually

they avert their gaze

Their cowardice, like Medusa,

turns hearts to stone



Still he is there, smiling



And when he falls

they gasp

yet none offers a helping hand

Their fear melds with shame



Still he is there, smiling



Some, overwhelmed with humility,

bow their heads and offer a silent prayer

for the man who needs no pity

for themselves in need of grace



He is there, smiling



His suffering is great

His sorrow is long

but his spirit is strong

and so today, he smiles





photo: http://www.rudyard.org/lavender-cancer-ribbon/