Ziyara Shriners
251 genesee street
Utica, NeW york  13501
315 - 732 - 5328

A parade was coming down the street
The drummers were drumming to a lively beat
And sitting with his family in the crowd
was a little boy in a wheelchair, trying to look proud.

The boy wished with all his heart
that he could march in the band, drumming the drummer’s part.
“Oh my," he said to himself, "Wouldn’t that be grand!”
But, he thought sadly, my legs won’t let me stand.

Then down the street there came a silly clown,
wearing the biggest shoes in town.
Handing out balloons, candy, and toys
to all the little girls and boys.

The clown saw the boy sitting there
and his eyes filled with tears at the sight of the chair.
“I know I can help him, I know what to do.”
And he went to talk to the family for a moment or two.

The clown introduced himself, his name was Joe, and said he was a Shriner.
He told them he knew some doctors, and at helping children there were none finer.
The boy’s parents were amazed, but then their faces became dazed.
They were suddenly at a loss, as to how they could afford the cost.

Joe told them not to worry about the fee.
For whatever needed to be done at Shriner’s Hospitals was free.
They talked some more for a moment or two and
Joe patiently explained the first things they would need to do.

There were many trips to the hospital, some requiring a long stay.
But, Joe and his Shriner friends helped the boy work toward the day,
When he at last, on his own two feet, could stand.
And perhaps even play the drum in a band.

Then one day Joe got a call.
The boy wanted to see Joe and his Shriner friends, one and all.
“I have something to show you,” was all he would say.
Joe was certain something special was about to happen that day.

As Joe and the other Shriners looked on with pride.
The boy, for the first time in his young life, stood up with his family at his side.
He took one step, then two, three, four,
until at last he reached Joe, who was now kneeling on the floor.

“Thank you, Joe,” he said beaming as if he had just won a race.
For a moment Joe just hugged him as a tear slid down his face.
Then wiping his eyes he said with a smile.
“There is no need to thank me, seeing you walk makes it all worthwhile.”

As a gift, Joe and his Shrine friends gave the boy a bear
They said they wanted him to always remember just how much they care.
Even when grown with a family and a wife,
The boy never forgot to thank the Shriners for how they changed his life.

The next time you see one of these Noble men of the Shrine,
who at helping children selflessly give of their time.
Remember to stop for just a moment or two
and tell them how much you appreciate the good work they do.
 

This poem is dedicated to the Shriners for their work with children.
I wish I knew the author.

You are Visitor

since June 19, 2000

D.T. Zangari
Copyright © 2000-2002
  Ziyara Shriners
All rights reserved
Revised: November 06, 2012