Today I spent hour or two, sitting, on the back porch
watching how other butterflies, freely
serenaded blooms in the garden. But, yesterday was
different, much more different than usual. I played
a lot---the feelings
of these and that with those who, day and night, surround me---

my father...
my mother...
and a teddy bear, a gift, from their souls. Oh,
deep inside I feel no anger
nor hatred, though I was
born less

in a world
of power
and fame. Listen, for my blood, I stood tall. Yes, yes at all times
I am proud, mighty proud
of my borne identity! I felt

the happiness and wealth
engulfed the spirit, when they held me
tightly, with their loving hands---
showing this fragile,
uncontrollable heart and mind, the color
of winter---

that
speaks to me
in language I’ve ever known: silence,
yet those who love hear me
loud and clear,
‘cos to them I was not a damn retard, as other people...