Tolerance

I am nearly invisible
yet seen and felt

I permeate and spread
yet am depleted by ignorance and indifference

I build bridges and doors
but am dismantled by pride and exclusion

I long to be the example
but am often censored by fear

I am carelessly promoted by impostors
who deceitfully wield  my power for their own means

But I am
and will continue to be
as long as there are those who praise me

I am Toleranceand I will live on

~Amy Caraballo

Published in Perspectives, Poetry Concerning Autism and Other Disabilities

www.perspectivesanthology.com