© Lozan Yamolky

 She is small and frail, 

but there’s a spark in her eyes. 

 

She is young and oh, so shy, 

but there’s a determination in her gaze.

 

She is short and thin, 

but you get the sense 

you are in the presence 

of a memorable girl. 

 

She is unable to speak, 

but she can hear.   

 

She understands, 

but not your spoken words.

 

She understands  your tone, 

your gesture  

and the movement of your eyes. 

 

Don’t underestimate her.

Don’t dismiss her. 

Don’t you dare think less of her

because she is small

and cannot speak or walk well.

 

She cannot speak 

but knows! 

You can feel it in your gut, 

she knows. 

 

So, tread lightly, 

speak politely, 

be genuine 

and if you can’t, 

then just keep moving. 

 

She stood up. 

You could hear a pin drop.

Everybody held their breath 

fearing she would fall. 

 

She is still standing up 

slowly… gracefully… cautiously.

 

Oh my, she’s moving in slow motion. 

 

As gentle as a butterfly  walking on your finger,

she walked on that hardwood floor. 

One small step after another 

then suddenly,

a ray of sunlight  penetrated the sunroof  exposing the dusty hardwood floor  she walked on.

It takes the breath away;  as we realized  that we are out here living on this earth 

existing as if this planet  owe us something  and nothing is good enough;  we stomp, we complain  and we are unsatisfied. 

We wipe forests, 

eradicate species, 

and factory farm animals for one reason alone.

 

We pollute our waters, 

contaminate our soil 

and even poison the air we breathe, 

while she in her pain walks 

without harming anyone 

or –anything; 

not even disturbing 

the dust beneath her feet.

 

 

© Lozan Yamolky

From debut book of poetry: I’m No Hero
 by: Silver Bow Publishing 2016

 Disclaimer: Photo from Facebook page: Evolver Social Movement