Helmsmen

The young man was languishing

In  a diaper, as he was laying

on the hospital bed in the home

 having discarded his prosthetic leg

carelessly in the wheelchair.

He was watching mechanic shows

And dreaming of going back to work.

Envisioning joining others

And doing something of societal worth.

There are few indicators he’ll ever leave

And he shows his bravery in his voice.

An intelligent mind, and keen outlook

Coming through in strong friendly chords,

But even for him, reality must rear her awful head

Of does he know that gratefulness leads to connection.

And connection leads to happiness.

And happiness makes life worth living.

Oh he must know. And his connection

on Earth is with the staff

which ripples out to their other patients

and their families

and the families of their families.

And he has great worth.