Anyone Else

Anyone else's glance would say
"Here is a street of peace,
A calm, unassuming block of houses."
They wouldn't know that behind the porch swing and minivan
Lives a family with a toddler
Half of his brain removed in surgery
A slow learner forever with a slight limp
As half of his tiny body struggles to catch up with the rest

Anyone else's mind would think
"Here is a family with money
Well-to-do with an easy life"
They'd never know that behind the two cars and white picket fence
Lives a family with only two fuzzy TV channels
Because they can't afford much more.

Anyone else's first impression would be
"She's just another prep wannabe
With shallow tabloids under her bed and designer sunglasses"
They wouldn't see that within that polo shirt lies a heart of pure gold
And a dream of becoming a world-renowned scientist.

No one would guess that beyond that gray, rainy, drab horizon
Lies a pink and gold sunset
Full of hope and beauty
Guess life's just like that sometimes.