I probably seem like a fossil for putting this movie into the movie and video section but it truly is a classic. The poem below which is said to be be created by the lead character "Rocky Dennis," is read twice in the movie from son to mother.
It was an English assignment. It reflects the bittersweet relationship of of Dennis' life, the disease which disfigured his face and the relationship he had with his drug-addicted but devoted and loving mother played by Cher. The Wikipedia entry under Roy "Rocky" Dennis states that this poem was actually written by the real Roy Dennis.
I don't think there has been a movie since MASK that has contained all the elements of prejudice, discrimination, alternative lifestyles and yet a strong element of decency and understanding amongst so many of the characters.
Sadly towards the end of the film, the movie depicts how tortured Dennis became by the prejudice he faced and the adult world he would deal with if he lived. His good-natured self-deprecating nature disappeared as the walls society puts up around those who are different or those who have any kind of disabilities beging to close in.
