LIGHT A TORCH

For all those whose wings

Were clipped early

Before the first test flight

From the nest

Yet who persevered

Though further hampered,

Like the wanton’s bird,

Harnessed and pulled back

From each short venture

Toward freedom—

Brief moments to shine

Even in their shorn glory.

Oh, what we have missed—

The gifts you had to offer,

Even when shunned or hidden,

Still glistened in the shadows

And left paving stones of gold

For those who would see.

For all of you

Who continued to be a wonder

Though denied,

I thank you

And light this torch

In your honor

That we might never forget

And finally appreciate

Your worth

And the potential

In others like yourselves.

May they not be hobbled

In their natural power of flight,

But soar, forever soar.

#preserverance #remembranceandtorch