‘Listen’

I sat often by your side
those winter mornings
spent supporting deepening,
delicate needs

such compassion bled
through fragile eyes
a sudden love in being heard
your words subtle reminders
of individuality’s warmth

hidden creative wonder
sneaking amongst the turbulence
of a world that rarely has the time

weaving the way you see and sense
over blank pages of freedom

you hide it for the people
who’ll give more than a passing glance
value your need to express
stepping away from themselves
giving all the room you need

your family whom you depend upon
just know their pride comes in hidden tears
falling against all the patient understanding
you’ll ever need

small, silent belief creeps into your eyes
whispering with nothing but an open heart

for you shake in what you cannot do
as I marvel at all that you can

simple your steps
moving steady across everydays
built on familiar faces
patterns of stability

I’ll wait and wait
for anything you want to say
don’t lower that head
in the time it takes

as your smile comes with warmth, in unspoken faith
hiding all the problems you ever faced
I crumble in a feeling of awe
for I swear this is what it really means
to be a man

humble sir,
all I can promise you
is to never forget
your every word

(for Ozzie)