People watch, people stare

I shrug it off as if I don’t care

I don’t have legs, and it’s not fail

I feel as if I’m living a nightmare

My stumps hurt, my heart aches

But a difference is, what I want to make

I work hard, I go to school

I ignore the people who are cruel

Slowly, steadily, I gain some hope

A fire in me slowly grows

Strong and steady, it won’t go out

I ignore what they say, I’m normal no doubt

My stumps wear out, the pain returns

My eyes sting with tears, my legs burn

But I’ll make it through, the doctor says

I may even get artificial legs

I go to the makers, but I am shunned

Until one makes me legs of aluminum

I have the opportunity to choose my size

And how tall I want to rise

I now have legs, and the fire burns strong

It feels so right, I feel like I belong

I’m a new man, happy and proud

No one and nothing can put the flame out