I Am A Human Being Poem by Jim Boone

Who has spent a lifetime claiming damages
Against too many of those also in this race

Damages from a family who didn't understand
Who didn't know
And botched the too few attempts

For bigotry and turning away
Turning natural into unnatural
Need into obsession

I gave up on winning
Concentrated on surviving
Questioned why bother.

Funny thing survival
It toughens us when we feel weakest
Gives sight to blindness
Opens closed, bewildered minds

Blends pretty/ugly, fine/scarred
Rich/poor, straight/bent
Contender/handicapped, youth/age
Red and yellow - black and white.
We are family
Connected, spirit to spirit
Life to life
Live and help live

For there's a balm
In embracing our differences
Celebrating similarities
Of the whole human race
Creating joy in being.

1993