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.