‘Normal People”

…

Treating people with dignity,
it’s easy with “normal people,”
as we define them socially.
Work, income, and a structured life—
that’s how it has to be, only then
are you considered worthwhile—generally speaking.

Isn’t “being” more important than “appearing”?

If a person isn’t in good shape
and doesn’t conform to this norm,
then respecting their dignity becomes difficult.
Who has the right to judge—who?

Is a person only worth something
if they go with the flow?
What about all the many sick people
who break down barriers with their addictions?

Thinking differently, believing differently;
Who presumes to rob them of their dignity?
And what about all those people who simply
live their lives differently?

To respect the dignity of every person,
and always act and practice in such a way
that every person’s dignity is sacred.

A universal ethical principle
found in many holy books worldwide teach us:
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”
It sounds simple, if only we would only live by it,
and always strive to act accordingly.

Let us begin together
and, be it daily, reflect anew.
Each of us individually—even in small ways,
then, I believe, good will be done for human dignity.
It applies to everyone—let’s get to work!