I Still Stand Tall

I was waitressing down at the diner
When a man in a wheelchair came in
He had to be in his late sixties
And I felt I should cater to him

He saw the pity hanging in my eyes
The compassion I felt in my heart
But I didn't get the response I thought
This man would surely impart

He said, "I know what you're thinking.
'Cause I used to feel the same way.
I'd lay in my bed, shout out orders
To feel some pride, someway.

But I've learned to deal with this problem
I've had my fair share of falls
And though you can't see it outside,
Inside I still stand tall.

Maybe these two legs of my own
Will never hold me up again
But I hold a pride no one will know,
And I can take it on the chin.

My legs may not work quite right
But my brain is sharp and quick
So until that part of me dies
I don't think I'm all that sick."

I thought to myself, "what a guy"
He keeps giving life his all
I'll never forget his words that day
"Inside I still stand tall."