"Here I Am"

                             Here I live
                    humbled by disease
                    forced to accept a weakness
                    dependent on the kindness of others
                    for life
                    here I am, a man.

                             Here I live
                    taking pills, doctor's pills that
                    alter states of consciousness
                    today's science stopping the pain
                    and most assuredly cheating death
                    here I am, a man.

                             Here I live
                    in the ***** of the state
                    learning lessons of love and life
                    supplied with warmth and care
                    eating the bread of taxes
                    here I am, a man.