In the freshness of youth what you want is respect
You can get what you need if you're just circumspect
To be paid a fair wage when you work ****** hard
To be seen independent with credit un-marred

But conditions will change as you grow and you fail
When it's all you can do to just stay out of jail
And you know self respect must be gained on your own
Otherwise if you don't your own soul be unknown

As you age, in your personal skills you take pride
When the accolades come and the egos collide
You will try to be modest and try to be kind
When assaults on your character leave you maligned

It is now your ambition to take steps without cane
And to mask your expression to not show any pain
Your condition does tempt to put pride on a shelf
But, my God, can't they let you go *** by yourself
                                                    rc