Do They Know... 

Today I looked at an old woman walking down the street 
Her clothes were tattered and her legs housed shoeless feet 
  As I walked closer to her, staring in disbelief 
 She looked up at me and from the smile that was on her face 
 I felt warmth all the way to the very tips of my toes 
  In her hand was a beautiful red rose 
 "I grow them" she said to me 
They bloom their best when I talk to them 
  Each one is different but yet still beautiful in it's own way 
 She placed the rose in my hand and then walked away 

Do they know.... 
She had a reason for the way she was 
But still she shown with unconditional love 
She was poor it was plain to see 
But she had so much more than you and me 
She had FAITH 

I walked on down the street and there at the park entrance was a man 
Attached at his waist was a board... "Oh Dear God" it was his legs 
A small child had fallen to the edge of the street 
No one moved their feet to help 
But this man scooted as fast as he could and grabbed the child 
As he reassured the child they were ok... the Mother approached 
Looking down in amazement 
She shook the man's hand and said a strangled "thanks" 
He looked up into the sky and smiled so brightly 
I think I heard him say "Thank You God for my arms"

Do they know.... 
He had a reason for the way he was 
But still shown with unconditional love 
He was inflicted, it was plain to see 
But he walked a lot prouder than you and me 
He had COURAGE 

I continued on down the street and noticed a couple walking slow 
I thought to myself ..."they look pretty normal" 
As I got closer I noticed that they looked different... 
And there on their faces were those beautiful smiles 
He looked at me and said "Guess what"?.... I smiled and asked "what"? 
He said,  "We are in love, and they said we couldn't make it on our own, 
But we do real good because there's two not one; 
We are going to buy a wastebasket.... want to come along"? 
I replied "no" but wished them luck... he grabbed me without warning 
And I got a great big hug... "We will make it... wait and see" 
And down the street they went 

Do they know.... 
They had a reason for the way they were 
But still they shown with unconditional love 
They were retarded, it was plain to see 
But they were smarter than you and me 
They had HOPE

Do YOU know.... 
That each of us are different and special in our way 
Don't be so quick to judge or scorn 
Can you love unconditionally and have the courage to go for your dream's 
And do you have the faith that it will happen? 
Can you hope for all others the same? 
Reach out and become rich with ... 
"Unconditional Love" 

Written by Mary E.S. 

©1999/2004 All copy rights to poetry reserved by indiGirl/Mary E.S.