Jen,
   Loved your poem, especially the last half of it!!

Rayna


    MY LIFE AS ME
    AsI order a cup of coffee
    just to think about life and sincerity to the  way i live
    To think of my life as being totally free
    of any physical barriers
    i am suddenly interupted
    by a stragers face in mine
    speaking to me as if i can't hear them
    as if i can't understand them
    As i drive away
    mumbling curse words under my breath
    I suddenly realize
    that it was a gift i received
    and not a barrier
    i can breathe
    touch
    feel
    and i can
    love
    most importantlty
    i can understand
    ones hurt
    because ive felt it myself
    II was choosen
    to help others
    to
    educate
    and to bear compassion
    I am me
    with no barriers attached.

    by: jennifer lahiff
    01-19=98