Crossed and Crooked!
by Leslie Diane Dhaseleer

My face was different so obvious to see,
I couldn’t hide how God had made me.

​

Born with crossed eyes that were soon mixed with glasses,
and a cracked smile for everyone who passes.

​

I wore the shoes i thought were so neat,
which helped to straighten my crooked little feet.

​

Doctors! Doctors, of one type or another,
Hand in hand I went with my mother.

​

The death of my father at the age of six,
changed life as we knew it for my brother and sis.

​

One day a spark of light appeared,
I knew I could do it, if I just had no fear.

​

Day after day I practiced hard,
Determined to succeed with all of my heart.

​

Finally, upside down across the land,
I took off walking on my hands.

​

Attention no longer stayed on my face,
I was different all right, all were amazed.

​

As I grew older, I began to see,
just how cruel other could be.

​

At age thirteen with my feet on the ground,
Life looked better from upside down.

​

When kids were mean and called me names,
mother said, “Honey you’re not to blame.”

​

My older brother cracked some heads,

when he learned of the things they had said.

​

It took me some time but eventually I could see,

what God had really done for me.

​

He made me “Special” so different from others,
to help me understand my sisters and brothers.

​

Crossed and Crooked was impossible to hide,
so, God gave me love to share from inside.

​

If I can make friends of those who stare
I get a challenge and it makes them more aware.

​

Do not speak until spoken to! That is not my way,
I always come first with something to say!

​

To look like Barbie would be such a curse,
I can’t think of anything that would be much worse!

​

Growing up different was tough I would say,
but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

​

So, thank you God for putting me to test,
for now I know I truly have been blessed.
******************************************

​

Authors Notes
When you come across someone who has a difference, please talk to them. Remember they are just like you on the inside. Be the first to say hello and offer your friendship. They might be shy at first, so go that extra mile. Learn to ignore your eyes and listen for smiles, you can hear them if you try