My legs aren’t broken
But my knees won’t bend
And I can’t get back up
On my own this time
My grip is still strong
So give me your hand
I’m prepared to trust you
So help me to my feet
At least if I’m standing
I can learn to walk again
And reinvent myself
In the footsteps I take
Perhaps with some time
My knees will bend again
My stride will lengthen
And my strength will return
I know what I need now
And it’s not more advice
So please stop talking
Long enough to listen
I need your compassion
Not thoughtless projection
Since I’m nothing like you
Your standards don’t apply
So quiet your judgments
My character runs deep
Please stop interrupting
And hear what I’m saying
And when I have finished
Show me you have heard me
With a silent move to action
That says you understand
– Rondym Kiefe