Written in February 2024, this poem speaks to how each of us in our own unique way is special. In a world that is challenging, hard, and at times overwhelming, it is easy to lose sight of who and what we each are. And yet, the world would not be complete without us. Difficult to imagine sometime, but it is true.
Born into this world, we come one at a time
No idea what’s ahead; of the mountains to climb
We’re given a name by which we’ll be known
Through all of our life and on our gravestone
We’re unique from the start with each our own DNA
Even if when born we have to share a birthday
Our bodies may look similar from head to toe
With a guarantee that they will change as we grow
Inside all of us most have our organs the same
The difference in gender with the male to blame
The brain is grey matter yet varies in how it works
As with other parts, there may be special quirks
The heart is home of our soul and also a pump
Mix in our feelings, it’s the source of our jump
While a standard package, the heart is unique
One wants it healthy and vibrant, and for it not to leak
What makes us special if so much is the same
Is that not a right for which we not have to claim
To stand out in the crowd of humanity as we live
Not be forgotten when we die as if through a sieve
The difference we make is not by looks or by money
And may not be how we sing or whether we’re funny
We stand out as special for being loving and kind
Taking the extra step to bring joy and peace of mind
We’ll be remembered for the act we did once or each day
Or the skill we brought to the table with or without pay
For the difference we brought to the life of another
Be they friend or unknown; sister or brother
The special comes from how we serve God’s plan
Both being and bringing the best that we can
We have an impact through our gifts and our presence
Defined as our purpose in life and our own essence