A little boy, made to shine shoes.
A little girl, singing the blues.
Both neglected and both abused,
without a choice but to be used.

Finding each other in sunlight,
forced to depart before the night.
Not giving up, or losing hope,
with every day learning to cope.

Enhanced each other, gaining strength,
providing love through any length.
They worked and sang, purely for tips,
escaped their lives, taking a trip.

So far away, they started new,
a unique world made to feel true.
Realizing thoughts can form their tale,
empowering sword helped them prevail.

Dying to all, yet still alive,
through chaos storms, they still survived.
Forgiving those they left behind,
not looking back, now redefined.

The life they left had made them strong.
Why should they concentrate on wrongs?
Instead, they killed all resentments,
made to forgive, not to ferment.

Focused on goals and future plans,
the kindest hearts lending their hands.
Blessed as their gains always expand,
knowing their dreams fall where they land.

– Grace Y. Estevez-Reddy