He is young and small,

surrounded by youth much taller

and mostly older,

feeling invisible.

And so... he stays quiet,

always watching,

wanting to fit in,

never sure how.

Adults offer support

and he takes it,

but it’s not what he wants.

He still feels small and overlooked.

He has courage and drive,

But it isn’t enough.

He wants to be respected,

he wants to be included.

Quietly he takes a risk,

a challenge to himself.

A midnight hike to meet the dawn

from the top of the mountain.

He is not sure…

can he keep up?

He doesn’t know,

But determined to try.

The hike is steep,

up the mountain,

through the trees

and over rocks

He makes the top and isn’t last,

but there’s an hour to wait.

He curls for a nap

He isn’t alone.

Sunrise is glorious!

The hike down is different

less effort and more talking,

and he is a participant.

He does not see the change.

No longer watching from the outside,

No longer quiet,

He may be small, but he fits.