Unilateral Hearing

If you can listen to the world with one ear  

Are they ever using both of theirs  

If you can go through it without fear

But they cringe at loudness in the air  

If you can say “what?” a thousand times

Or they can ignore the question,

Or committing silent crimes,

And yet you want to hear the confession:

If you can work double-time  

If you can self-advocate

If you can dodge the bitter taste of time

And find sweetness in these traits   

If you can bear to hear half what’s spoken

Twisted by muffled voices to make you look like a fool,

Or see what can be built and not broken,

And support this weakness using other tools:

If you can be one with everyone else

And no one can notice the tilt of your head,

And not hesitate when asking for help

And never breathe a word about what should’ve happened instead;

If you can bear the complications

To stand your ground,   

And decide your place of designation

Whether it be soft-spoken or renowned

If you can, keep your head out of the clouds

Or walk with confidence, not lose your moxie,

If you can deal with just one or crowds,

If life seems a little boxy;

If you are willing to listen

With the crowds of difficulty around you,   

Yours is your one ear that will truly glisten,   

And you might hear much more than few