You are there, before me,
with your body growing longer each day,
in bloom, as nature is at this time of year,
yet still not showing the signs of adolescence.
Your eyes drawn to anything mechanical and bright
like a magpie,
your finger always in your mouth
and your chin wet with saliva...
They say you are a severely disabled child,
that is the diagnosis,
but your parents do not know
how much value your life holds.
In you is the simplicity of one who remains
forever a child;
simplicity that many
find far too difficult to possess.
In you the greatness
of important figures,
of those whose presence demands
silence and respect.
In you the power
of the silent ones who move crowds...
With your life,
seemingly without worth,
you lead us,
you lead me
to believe and to live
brotherhood and love
and when I hold you in my arms
it is you, truly,
who bears the weight of us both.
A friend of Fede e Luce, 1976