Reaching Out

Down here, I cannot look up, cannot see the faces of those around me. Down here, I cannot find my way through the endless crowds that push me, unseeing Down here, I continue to shrink,to sink; un-noticed; invisible to everyone around me. Down here, I can never see anyone eye to eye, never be equal to those around me. Down here, acceptance is just out of my reach. No-one wants to push it down, to let me grab it. Down here, I cry, and no-one hears. Down here, I am forever alone. Alone. Up there, someone stumbles, reaches out too steady himself. Up there, someone catches my eye as he straightens up, dusts himself off. Up there, someone hesitates, his eyes flicker. Uncertain. Up there, someone decides. Decides to reach out. To be different. Up there, someone smiles. Someone's hands reach down ,lifts me up. Lifts me to his eyes Equal. Up here, I look down to where I used to lie. Up here, I smile, I smile like anyone else. Acceptance.