Shame On Me

There was a time when I couldn't see
beyond the boundaries of my own suffering.

Until I met a woman.

HIV positive
Raped
Beaten
Abused
Alone

And this woman, she held her head high
and she danced.

Shame on me.

Until I met a boy.

Torn clothing
Starving
No family
Bare Feet
Bruised

And this boy, he held his head high
and he sang.

Shame on me.

Shame for crying when I had
so many reasons to laugh.

Shame for not realizing how
lucky I truly was.

Shame for thinking I knew what real suffering was.

Shame on me.