This I Know Poem by Erika Wingo

On the outside
Looking in
Always been hard
Fitting in
Now I can see
There are those
Who never learn
How to live
Pay close attention
Stop and be still
Waiting for them to see
But they never will
Meet me halfway
Walk a mile in my shoes
Hear what I say
Let me share some of me
With you
Because it's too hard
To walk alone
Because it's too lonely
Being alone
This, I do know

On the inside
Of despair
Caught in its grip
Trapped in its lair
Ripped apart
Beyond repair
God willing
Someone, somehow, somewhere
Will extend a hand
And be there
Because it's painful
To realize
Because it's pointless
To then wonder why
This too, I know

Once you've walked
with agony
Once all is through
One can recognize
The honest truth
Who you are to me
Who I am to you
Only there will be
Nothing left
To hold onto
But I will pray for you
To be stronger
Than those of us
Who have succumbed
Became weak
Feigned ignorance
Struck dumb
Because it's easier
To give up
Because it's harder
To pretend
So much more simple
In the end
That is what I know

All my life
Feeling the difference
Between us and them
Eyes wide open
All knowing
Now and then
I bow my head
And drink my fill
Because what they now lack
They always will
This, I finally know