I read a poem the other day, <br />of how we should look at the inner person. <br />Not at the way, that person looks or dresses, <br />nor the texture and colour of their skin, <br />but the real person that lies within. <br />I made a new friend last week by doing exactly that. <br />So many people had told me <br />that he was arrogant and abusive, <br />that he expected you <br />to do everything for him. <br />The person they were talking about is a paraplegic. <br />He lives his days in a wheelchair, <br />has trouble opening doors <br />and doing the up the laces in his shoes. <br />So yes, he needs help now and then. <br />I was helping him navigate <br />through several sets of doors. <br />We struck up a conversation, <br />and as we talked I found <br />what none of the others had seen. <br />He wasn’t arrogant and abusive, <br />but really very polite. <br />He had lovely sense of humour <br />and lovely smile. <br />I could immediately sense <br />there was a kind heart within. <br />As we talked I noticed something else too, <br />this poor lad had a lonely side as well. <br />By the time we reached the final door, <br />which I opened, for him, <br />I felt a little taller. <br />I had gained a new friend. <br />We said we would talk again <br />and left it at that. <br />Today when I saw him and said “Hello.” <br />A large smile came across his face, <br />and it set everything aglow. <br /> <br /> <br />1 October 2007<br /><br />David Harris<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-my-new-friend/
