Most of us go on merrily along with our lives

Dealing with it in consistent manner as we thrive

Against all odds, working at whatever it is we do

Becoming involved in it from heads to our shoes



And then the current of those around us ripples

For they've discovered we're still there, not crippled

By onslaughts of demeaning words, deeds and thoughts

Which we took in good stead, and buried them, taut



In the knowledge their pain was greater than yours

Causing them to attack, breaking unwritten laws

Which they believed put them on a higher level

When all it did was make them appear disheveled



- Tristram



Christopher W. Thomas

8:40am Tues. Feb. 17th, 1998