Walking through the halls I am bombarded with greetings.

My peers gossip and the teachers remind me of meetings.

The halls are a buzz as I walk to my class,

But I notice a boy who is not having a blast.

People's eyes glaze over when they look at his face.

All because he wears a brace.

A brace that helps him walk, a brace that helps him live.

Without the brace, he would have nothing to give.

He would not be able to walk or to run.

But why should he try if he's not having fun?

He is disabled so his peers do not talk to him.

He is ignored and defeated because his legs are too slim.

He is different.

I pass past the boy with a shy, little glance.

I know that it is time for me to take a stance.

I break from the pack of wolves that surround me

And I can tell by the looks that my packmates disagree.

He is different, he is disabled, he is not like us.

The tone of their voices is very brusk.

But I can tell by his face that I have made his day.

A quick, simple hello made his eyes turn from gray.

They dance in happiness and he attempts to smile.

I know for him it is an action harder than running a mile.

But that sweet little smile has made my day and will continue to for years on end

Because that shy, little boy has become my best friend.

~Dedicated to Patrick who will be my buddy for years to come~