It is a privilege
To have waken up this morning.
Others did not make it.

It is a privilege
To go to work this morning.
Others have no place to go.

It is a privilege
To kiss someone for good-bye
When you leave
Some leave nobody behind
The door.

It is a privilege
To have dinner with someone
And even to wash the dishes
For your family
Some have no dishes to wash.

It is a privilege
To hear the telephone ringing,
Some pay the telephone bill
For years and nobody calls.

It is a privilege
To go out with a friend,
Some are never invited
Or have nobody to invite.

It is a privilege
To be kissed, hugged, touched
Loved or wanted.
Some only long for these intimacies.

It is a privilege
To be a parent
No matter how hard it may be,
And how many sleepless nights
This might cause.
Some only watch others doing it.

It is a privilege
To become a grandparent
Some never share this
Unique and fascinating
Type of parenthood.

It is a privilege
Having someone to take away
The blanket from you
Or heavily breathing
On the second pillow.
Some don't share the blanket
At all.

It is a privilege
Having someone in your life
To long for your caress,
For your look and attention
For an "I love you".
Some have nobody to
Tell this magic to.


It is a privilege
To be asked for a favour,
Some don't enjoy the feeling
Of being needed or helpful.

It is a privilege...
All this routine,
All these small things we are doing
For us or for others
Really mean a privilege.
Some are not this blessed anymore.

It is a privilege
Even being able to read now
These lines.
Some can only read with their
Fingers.

Toronto,

December 12, 2005