it’s rude to stand at a distance and stare
but if you come closer, we’ll make you aware
we are people first, although may be disabled;
most of us people prefer not to be labled
our behavior sometimes causes confusion
we may choose to isolate yet desire inclusion
we offer perspectives that may surprise
listen and learn from us, grow to be wise
wheelchair is obvious or condition is hidden
but tolerance of barriers should be forbidden
yes, you may be healthy now at your age
but accident or illness can come on next page
all of us humans are differently able;
all of us humans deserve seats at the table
_________________
At dVerse poets today, Bjorn challenges us to meet the bar with any poem written for a cause in first person plural.
a poem in my pocket 
Oct 20, 2023 @ 15:59:10
For sixty-two years I have witnessed all manner of rude, hurtful behavior directed at our special needs son … it is extraordinarily painful for him and for those of us who love him. Your poem is perfect.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 20:02:38
Helen, my heart goes out to you and your son…glad you liked my poem.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 14:16:27
These words
“our behavior sometimes causes confusion
we may choose to isolate yet desire inclusion”
and the last stanza are incredibly powerful. I have always said, the disabled (I believe the word used to be handicapped) is one minority any one of us can join at any moment in our life.
This is a wonderful poem, Lynn!
Oct 20, 2023 @ 20:04:08
It’s true! I appreciate your comments, Lillian 🙂
Oct 20, 2023 @ 09:10:31
Disabled, poor, uneducated, disturbed, foreign, sick, women, all of us. It would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?
Oct 20, 2023 @ 20:06:22
Yes, it will be… when the kingdom comes!
Oct 21, 2023 @ 05:33:56
Any idea when that will be?
Oct 22, 2023 @ 16:12:35
working toward it…no predictions from me 😉
Oct 20, 2023 @ 06:07:41
so well said Lynn and in rhyming couplets two
Oct 20, 2023 @ 08:57:31
Thank you, Laura 🙂 When rhyming works, it’s fun!
Oct 20, 2023 @ 04:31:45
The final stanza sums up your excellent points. All should have a seat at the table.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 08:58:39
Yes, we’re all part of the human race…thanks, Merril.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 16:39:40
You’re welcome, Lynn.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 02:46:57
Indeed… the balance is delicate but inclusion at the table should not have boundaries.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 09:00:47
I’m on an accessibility team at my church, which requires careful balancing 🙂
Oct 20, 2023 @ 01:08:29
That one has to keep talking about an obvious matter. It’s all there is to do.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 09:02:06
So many groups demanding inclusion today, the truly disabled are often forgotten!
Oct 20, 2023 @ 00:50:13
Stellar 👏🏽
Oct 20, 2023 @ 09:02:38
Thank you, dear Selma!
Oct 20, 2023 @ 19:09:25
🙇🏽♀️
Oct 19, 2023 @ 22:37:29
Lynn, your last line is the clincher. Good poem.
Oct 20, 2023 @ 09:03:53
Thanks for reading & commenting, Lisa!
Oct 20, 2023 @ 12:44:45
You’re very welcome, Lynn.
Oct 19, 2023 @ 18:29:52
A wonderful poem for the prompt, Lynn. You really nailed it!
Oct 20, 2023 @ 09:04:41
Thank you, Dwight!