"25. The Difference"

I am the man who stands there
alone at times but never without a cause
If you see me, feel free to,
even if I do not, say hi

I am the man who breathes here
I do so like anyone else
Only, when I do, I like to take my time,
holding each breath to the fullest

I am the man who dies and who is born
I am him every day
I play both parts,
making sure to play them right

I am the man
who stands there,
who breathes here,
who dies and is born

I am this man
that’s what’s most important
While I see myself in everyone,
I cherish the difference

Originally published in Inwood Indiana. June 2012.