Lydia Vitamor's Song For The Silent Poem by Norma Hass

Seeking to win the youth of our nation,
The Lovers Of Life Association
Tried out bands to make a video.
Rock bands, punk bands, hip hip-hoppers,
Country-westerners and poppers-
None of them was right for LOLA's show.

Last there came a Cinderella,
Lydia, who sang a capella,
No guitar, no drums, no violent
Cymbals. 'This is my song for the silent, '
Lydia whispered. Then she sang:

'No one on earth can help you bear the load,
And some will say to take the easier road.
You have the right- but is it right to do?
Have courage. Have compassion. I need you.

'If you found me in the winter in a garbage can,
You'd unzip your shirt and hold me to your skin.
If you found me left abandoned in an alleyway,
You would open up your heart and take me in.

'I cannot breathe unless you breathe for me
And I will starve unless you eat for me,
And I will die unless you shelter me.
Have courage. Have compassion.
Have your child.
Have me.'

Silence louder than cheering rang.
Tears ran down each LOLAs face.
Not a dry eye in the place-
Except for Will, who lit his cig
And ordered, 'Lydia gets the gig! '