| They have aced the test of humanness.” (Photo courtesy of the New Orleans People Project)Blessed are the menWho are fathers not by blood. Their gift will be a world where sons rest easyBecause their mothers rest easy,And every day is burstingWith the gratitude of Christmas morningWhen there is something special for everyone. (Photo courtesy of the New Orleans People Project)Blessed are the women with subpar wagesWho are mothers to all. | They can forgive even while hurting.” (Photo courtesy of the New Orleans People Project)Blessed are the ones who live with vigorDespite life’s tragic comedy. This poem excerpted by permission from Lens award-winning contributor Chuck Perkins’ new book, Beautiful and Ugly Too, released last week by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press.