In My Other Life

I shied away from differences,
From wheelchairs,
From walkers,
From kids with bald heads.

I judged others
Too quickly,
Too harshly,
Too carelessly.

I withheld kindnesses too often;
Eye contact,
Smiles,
Spoken words.

I did not understand the pain that comes
With illness,
With questions,
With waiting.

I didn't know that a different life could be
Beautiful,
Miraculous,
Incandescent.

But I do now.

***
When Bennie asked me to guest post, I was honored and accepted, and promptly came down with writer's block (thus the photo heavy posts at my own blog this week!). In the middle of the night, this poem came to mind, and I went archive diving in search of it. It was written and posted at my own blog about a year ago...but it seemed like just the thing to share in this place where Bennie has shared so much with us.