We have a boy at work with a severe skin disease that is not only unsightly, but also has an overwhelming odor. As you can imagine, the staff are very kind to him, always trying to draw him out and make him feel welcome. Yet this special attention is still attention, and he seems tired of it. When spoken to, he continues to avoid eye contact, as though to say, "Please, just don't look at me."

He Feels like a FREAKSHOW

People have recoiled from him.
They constantly stare at him.
Everything hurts. Just to get dressed
is a painful ordeal for him.
Where can this boy just find some rest?
Oh Jesus, please come and heal us.
For you've come that your joy may be in us.