don’t handicap us

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.

38 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. The Amethyst Lamb's avatar The Amethyst Lamb
    Feb 01, 2024 @ 09:21:24

    Well put. A very powerful poem. ❤️

    Reply

  2. rog's avatar rog
    Oct 22, 2023 @ 05:40:12

    great poem

    Reply

  3. pandamoniumcat's avatar pandamoniumcat
    Oct 21, 2023 @ 16:30:58

    Excellent poem…everyone deserves a seat at the table. Thank you 🙂

    Reply

  4. Dora's avatar dorahak
    Oct 21, 2023 @ 10:36:00

    You batted this one out of the park, Lynn. Love the collective voice you’ve chosen and I especially liked “wheelchair is obvious or condition is hidden” — The struggles of the disabled are not always easy to see.

    Reply

  5. sanaarizvi's avatar sanaarizvi
    Oct 21, 2023 @ 08:40:42

    This poem deserves a lot of applause! 🥂💖💖 You rocked the prompt!

    Reply

  6. Gillena Cox's avatar Gillena Cox
    Oct 21, 2023 @ 07:56:11

    Bravo for all the present day approaches for care and compassion.
    We are out of the dark ages

    much💛love

    Reply

  7. Carol C's avatar Carol C
    Oct 20, 2023 @ 17:21:40

    Bravo Lynn! [ I relate as I have a son with disabilities. ]

    Reply

Leave a reply to rog Cancel reply