crutch

Desperately needed, essential Yet despised, shameful But here for every agonizing step Adjusting as you need Going where you lead Bearing all your weight Gently taking a beating "Really, I am not a weapon!" (I assure myself, since you cannot hear me) Holding up fine when thrown across the room Slowly--my value is acknowledged Joy is shared and remembered Then, shortly--I am unprescribed. Unfit for your future Unlikely to be recycled My best hope is the attic Collecting dust They say I am best forgotten Surely--I will never forget If you were healed (or at least held) then I was made (or at least mad) My purpose served in all the steps you took And even if you never look back I take pride in all the steps you take I have a small claim to your stride. Oh dear, legs... I have watched you stumble In the end, our work was together You didn't ask for me You didn't want me Yet I have gladly given what you could not And though I didn't want it to be This journey was always for you, too.