On Growing Up (Part 5) We are growing up We are many colors of skin We are many languages We are many ages and sizes. We are many countries... But we are one with the earth. We each have one heart. We each have one life We are growing up, together, So we must live as one family. by Mattie Stepanek

Jim Hawkins, the Director of Children's Hospice International, shared this poet hero story with MY HERO.

Mattie Stepanek, six years old, has written several hundred poems. Mattie has somehow acquired more wisdom in his short life than most of us do after decades of living. He expresses wisdom in a way that touches your heart.

Mattie and his mother, Jeni, both suffer from a rare hereditary disease called mitochondrial myopathy. Mattie takes a portable oxygen tank on wheels with him wherever he goes. He has achieved a black belt in hopkaido. With his enthusiasm for life Mattie charms everyone he meets.

The Language of God Do you know what Language God speaks? God speaks Every-Language. That's because God made Everyone and Gave Everyone different Languages. And God understands all of them. And do you know what is God's Favorite Language? God's favorite language is Not grown-ups's language, But the Language of Children. That's because children Are special to God. Children know how to share, And they never lose Their Heart-Songs. by Mattie Stepanek

More by Mattie Stepanek:

• Mattie Stepanek - On Growing Up (Part 3)
• Mattie Stepanek - Kindergarden-itis

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Visit More Poet Heroes:

Langston Hughes was nicknamed the "Poet Laureate of Harlem."

Ilse Bing is a remarkable poet and photographer. Her works have been shown in Paris and New York. This year she turned 98.

Jorge Luis Borges wrote of dreams.

Helen Keller: "Facing Fate".

Emma Lazarus: "The New Colossus"

Old English epic poem: "Beowulf".

"Lullaby: Smile in Sleep" by Robert Penn Warren

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A Poem A Week--Other Poetry Links

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