Written to Karen, my mentally disabled cousin.

Hey, Karen
you,
so innocent,
so wise,
being able to overcome
all that is handed to you
on that chipped platter of life
you,
mimicker of all around you
yet able to express yourself
in ways other than the “norm”.
Hey, Karen
you,
so warm and fuzzy
know what to say and do
you talk to Grandma and Aunt Angelina
and I believe they talk to you
Hey, Karen
giver of love,
taker of nothing
you teach me,
you teach me well.

Debra Parrish
2/1/05