Fruitless Efforts

To whom this may concern

If you can find the time, the mind
The heart to read any further
I’ve been hurting
Just a little bit
Probably nothing to worry about
But I thought you should know
I’m not feeling appreciated
I’m wasted, worn out, tossed to the side
I’ve been striving, driving, dying to let you know
This really does mean something to me
This is really, legitimately who I am
I’m not going to stand to the side
Pretend like it doesn’t matter
Pretend like life is fair

If you can find the time, the mind
The heart to help me out
I would be grateful
I would feel like I matter in your busy life
I’m not the star athlete, the brains or the brawn
I’m not the hometown hero, the straight A’s or the toughest
I’m not the champion, but I try
Wasn’t it you that taught me that?
To give it my all
Wasn’t that the definition of success? To try?
You’ve taught me so many things
But maybe I got this one wrong

If you can find the time, the mind
The heart to see what I’m doing
Measure success in ways you haven’t before
Grasp, comprehend, seize the idea that this is success
It’s not bubble-wrapped, handled with care, tied with a pretty bow
It’s brutal, intense and at times scary
The outcome never known, a fight, a chance
A fighting chance
That’s all I’m asking for
A fighting chance to succeed in your eyes

If you can find the time, the mind
The heart to understand
While I’m on the streets, at the capitol, yelling my cause
You are at home
Wining, dining, enjoying your rights
Could you imagine
A day, an hour, a minute
Without that ring on your finger
Without the feeling of acceptance
Without the idea of your family being safe
Could you imagine?
Could you put your feet into my shoes?
My marginalized shoes,
Worn from the marches, the stands, the running from myself
Would you even make the attempt?

Would you find the time?
Would you have the mind?
Would you have the heart to understand?