Because

Because of my past, I see
a world unique to me.
Because of my experience,
I have seen life from
the other side of the fence.
Because of the times I hurt,
I learned to be aware: alert.
Because of the times of joy,
I rebuild people, places,
and hope once destroyed.
Because of the past pain,
I learned to train my brain,
and welcome pouring rain.
Because of the steep slope,
I found new ways to cope.
Because of the challenge,
I have found my balance.
Because of people like you,
I know to push on through.




The Drop Off

The
drop off is steep. You can
     slip and
             fall.
Once you are done
             falling,
             rise and pick up
             right where
you left off. 
Watch for the 
      drop off.
Listen for the signs.
Expect it.
      And, don't be tense.
Soon, the
      drop off will be past tense.
When the
      drop off comes. Don't run.
      Your journey has just
begun.