Twelve-year-old Reads Stirring Poem

The boy in the picture to the right, here with his mother, had personally composed a stirring tribute to the courage and worth of handicapped people. He read aloud his composition, printed below, with incredible gusto and heart-rending sincerity.

Don't Give Up Hope

Say, brother, don't forget,
It's no disgrace to be handicapped.
Shame to those who, not disadvantaged,
Take advantage of those who are.
You may be disabled, but you can overcome the struggle.
Forego feet, eyes, or any other organ.
It is sufficient that you have a mind.
In my opinion, you can then be more successful than most people.
Be not ashamed to say, "I'm handicapped."
Be clear about your goals; concentrate and work at achieving them.
One day it will happen that your dreams will come true.
Don't lose your hope just because you say you are handicapped.
You may possibly be able to do what many people can't.
Know then that you will have no obstacle before you.
For certain, at that point do not lose hope.
Because you can do so much!
Know this…believe in this!
Be like a flower.
Then you will discover how many people love you.
And leading those who love you are your mother, father, brothers, and sisters.
It will amaze you and delight you to know how many people love you.
Know that your family loves you.
Love life; live, and don't lose the hopefulness of living.
Do this, and throughout your life, congratulate yourself on what you have accomplished.
And like me, you will shout, "How fortunate I am!"

Berkay Engin
(In Turkish, this 12-year-old boy's last name means, "Vast…boundless.")

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