Seeing Me For Who I Am

Because I'm not blind that does not mean I always see.
Because I'm not crippled that does mean I always walk.
Because I'm not dumb that does not mean I always talk.
Because I'm not deaf that does not mean I always hear.

Look at me and try to see beyond the clothes I wear.
I'm not trying to make you mad when I wiggle in my chair.
Forgive me when I drift afar, I go before I know.
At times my work sits on my desk with not a thing to show.

To look at me you wouldn't know I'm different from the rest
I struggle to keep up the pace - attentions not my best.
As the day wears on and I start to come unglued,
Wonder if what you've taught has really gotten through.

Drawing is my greatest strength, at math I'm not too quick.
I guess that's why I am in your class to try out every trick.
Still plodding through my work when everyone is done,
Trying to get the point of this instead of having fun.

Playing with my pencil, drawing on my book.
Oops, I got off task again; here comes that nasty look.
Then I sit downtrodden, always in the wrong,
Kind of lost all confindence, it's the same old song.

Wish I could reach you, just once make you see,
Behind all these distractions, there's a good kid inside me.
For as I ride these up and downs, please catch me as I fall.
Remind me of the words "I can" and tell me to walk tall.

When you watch me struggle each and every day,
Recognize that part of me and help me find a way.
When you need me focused, look me in the eye.
If I didn't get it all, give me one more try.

Gently prod and push me sometimes along the way.
Accept me as you're teaching and my thoughts have gone astray.
See that gently side of me and treat it with kid gloves.
Know I need you praise much more that I need hugs.

Be my guide for the times I am too blind to see.
And when I miss that crucial step try to punish me
Know because of who I am I'll never be the norm.
Bring me in from the rain when caught up in the storm.

Sometimes what you see is not what's really there,
While I don't always show you, I honestly do care.
Accept me as I am just as I must also do for me.
Help me buld the confidence needed to succeed.