People have labelled
As "Generation X".
Have been told
We don't appreciate
The sacrifices
Of previous generations
Before us.
To which
I say
"Bullshit"!
Having myself
Lost everything
In my life
That I value.
My immediate family
And those
Who I considered
Close friends.
When
I shared
My true self.
As a woman
Trapped
Within
A male body.
How total strangers
Reached out
And helped me.
When
I was suicidally depressed
After these rejections.
By helping me
To rebuild
My inner foundation
In a stronger
And more flexible
Manner.
Material needs
Can be replaced
With ease.
By using
A debit
Or credit card.
But
A person's life
Can't be.
This message
Was brought home
To me
Last month.
When I saw
An elderly woman
Of South Asian heritage
Rummaging through
My apartment building's
Garbage bin.
Seeking discarded items
To help her survive
As a huge smile
Dominated her face.
Despite
The abject poverty
Of her physical situation.
Only wish
I could have
Help her.
Thus
Paying back
Those
Who have helped me
The past decade.
Therisa © 2016
Author's note: There are many people, who I have lost contact with, over the years, who kindness of heart and generosity, have allowed me, to write this poem, before you. To them, I wish to say, "I sorry", and hope, you understand. From this bitter experience, I have discovered, what true friendship means, and the price that it sometimes demands, from us. To which, I willing pay, without second thoughts.
