(For ages 7 – 10)

Babur came from school one day
With a thoughtful look he said
Dad, what would you do if you saw
A different kind of a kid?

Babur’s dad had his glasses on
The wise-owl ones with strings
He wore them to read the paper and also
When he talked of important things 

He pushed his glasses up his nose
They were big and framed in black 
He smiled, took a sip of tea
Come here son, let’s have a chat

Now tell me what you mean 
When you say a different child?
Did he scribble on the walls
Did he run around all wild?

No, no Dad said Babur 
He couldn’t stop laughing 
We both know that most kids do 
Those naughty-fun things

This kid was in a wheelchair 
And he couldn’t move his legs at all
In the break, he sat alone
While the rest of us played ball

I wanted to go and talk to him
But I didn’t know what to say
So I played the game, then had my lunch
From him, we all stayed away

Darling son, everyone is born different 
Some of those differences we can’t see
Others are more visible but they need not 
Make one ill at ease 

There are people everywhere 
Who live with a disability
Some with one, some with more
Real heroes in our society

When you see someone who looks
Different from what you are used to
Use the golden rule - Treat them
As you would, they treat you

That just means showing empathy
Putting yourself in their shoes
Then thinking of how you would want others
To see and talk to you

Kindness and openness are both
Important attributes
And another rule of thumb my dear
Is to just in fact be YOU!

A boy may speak a little slow
Or need some time before he goes
Be patient, wait and he will share
His thoughts and you will know

A girl might flap her hands with glee
It helps her feel just right
She dances like a bumblebee
A joyful, buzzing sight

Some kids don’t like a crowded space
It makes them feel unsure
A gentle smile, a friendly face
Can help them feel secure

We all like games and fun and play
But some might join in late
If someone plays a different way
Just let them find their pace

In every mind a garden grows
With thoughts like seeds that bloom
Just give them time and you will see
Their ideas fill the room

So if you feel like saying hello
To the new boy in your school
Just go up to him and introduce yourself 
That’s another golden rule

Don’t lean on his chair or talk from above
Try to put yourself at his eye level
These are little graces to make 
The other person feel comfortable

Babur and his dad had that chat
Over a month ago
Babur and Adam are now friends
Adam is an ace at Lego! 

The boys have their lunches together 
They’ve even been to the seaside
There they won the Best Sand Castle award 
Adam and Babur both glowed with pride 

The beauty of our wonderful world
Lies in its people, 8 billion of them
Each one different, each one unique
Each one a potential friend

Wheelchairs and white canes, crutches and hearing aids
They are all just helpful means
The people who use them are full of life 
Just like you and me 
	
Don’t be afraid of differences on the outside
Go kindly into the world 
People are like jewels, precious and bright
Some are like silver, others like gold.