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Open Poetry #19
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My Handicap Is You
| Open Poetry #19 |
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My Handicap Is You |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia 
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You seem to find it difficult To look at me in this chair You're unable to hold my gaze As your eyes dance here and there Sure my life is somewhat different I spend the most part sitting down Other than that we are very similar I'm not like a freak show clown I've learned to accept my disability But I get tired of all the stares I don't wallow in self pity For I have already been there So next time you're passing by me Please just smile and say "G'day" Don't avoid me like the plague And please don't treat me like a stray Suetang |
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| © Copyright 2002 Sue Tancheff - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Well said, that being unnoticed can be such a desirable thing. (How many times I wish I had a mirror to let them stare at themselves.) G'day "As soon as the generals and the politicos can predict the motions of your mind, lose it." Wendell Berry |
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RosePetal 
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985South Florida |
Oh sue, Ignore those ignorant people who stare like that! You are a wonderful woman, and whoever can't take the time to get to know you for YOU is a waste of your time! (big hugs) my dad is disabled and he uses one of those motorized ride on carts in the stores and people stare all the time. (hugs) |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Sue, Great advice...but you know that chair never silenced me!  I'll visit with anybody. Thanks. |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
Suetang~ I do believe we all have our crosses to bare, and like you I've already been there and want no part of it. Your words spoke volumes to me and for that I thank you. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Sue, this is so very sad and heartaching, never ever listen to them, you are no freak circus clown, you are a very loving person with a golden heart and deserve to be treated with much more respect than that! (EXTRA BIG HUGS) We are all here for you always, sweet friend, my heart is with you always, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sue, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Auguste
since 2000-02-16
Posts 3953By the sea |
Sue, As you know, I can relate well to this poem. It speaks a truth that so many of us don't want to acknowledge. Well done, my friend. *hugs* Michael Stars will shine when I am gone |
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Victoria
since 2000-08-12
Posts 5869 |
I applaud you for writing his poem Sue dear..i think we have all been guilty of doing this..because we dont want one to think we are staring at them..i will never pass a person again in a wheelchair without smiling their way..hugss ~Victoria [This message has been edited by Victoria (03-28-2002 06:39 PM).] |
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Skyfire
since 2000-12-27
Posts 3381Riding |
This made me think... Yes it definately made me think. Well written... nicely expressed  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
My friend and I spoke of this poem today, Sue, and your ability to share what is on your mind. She and you share a great ability...to go beyond what binds you, and take us with you through your poetry and compassion. G'day! |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Guts ... lots of guts!....That is what you have...and one of the most beautiful hearts on this planet... |
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Bridget Shenachie Senior Member
since 2002-01-23
Posts 1056Kansas USA |
Hi Sue! I am the friend that Sunshine mentioned above. I brought this poem to her attention because I was startled by the subject. I have been in a wheelchair most of my life and deal with the attitudinal barriers, whether it's mine or some one else's. I'm new to PiP and this particular poem was the first one of yours that I read. So before replying, I read all of your postings and I can see that you have a great gift for writing. Keep them coming, (please!) and wish me well because I seem to be a bit blocked right now. It was especially delightful for me to meet with you and your writing in these pages. You write superbly in covering the wide range of human emotion with such honesty. It just doesn't get any better than that.  Shenachie [This message has been edited by Bridget Shenachie (03-31-2002 10:28 PM).] |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
I have never been in a wheelchair and I am sorry if I gave people the wrong idea here. I just tried to put myself in the shoes of others to see how life is for them, whether they be a drug addict, a homeless person or a handicapped person. My intention is not to mock these persons but to merely try and have a better understanding of how life must be for them. I aim to make people try to put themselves in the shoes of others to make them realise how fortunate they are and that just a simple show of compassion can make someones day. I am truly overwhelmed at the response to this piece and ever so grateful. Take care......Sue Suetang |
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Bridget Shenachie Senior Member
since 2002-01-23
Posts 1056Kansas USA |
Nothing dishonest about trying to understand. This is an excellent poem with a subject that is seldom mentioned. Shenachie |
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DawnG
since 2000-06-23
Posts 1494United States |
Sue, I too am in a wheelchair and have been my entire life. This poem is very well written and something I too could very easily have written. It is amazing how you were able to step into the shoes of a disabled person and describe one of the biggest challenges we face with such truthfulness and grace. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Sue, you did so very well step into the shoes of person who faces a handicap, that you must know this is what is the making of an exceptional writer! Kudos all around. Bridget, my friend here, came to Passions on my suggestion. I think  she's found a home...but your poem here got us to talking very honestly, like how her actions never make me think of her in a pitiful sense...she is full of energy and takes care of herself in such a way that I do not [and will probably never] see her as a person with a handicap. She is a great inspiration to me, and this poem allowed us to get to know each other a little better over the weekend. You have much to be proud of Sue...and this is one of those things that [ahem] should be PUBLISHED..... |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Bridget Thanks for commenting again, your words are so much appreciated. Dawn I thank you for your beautiful words and the lovely things you said about me. Karilea Your words truly humble me and I thank you also for reading and commenting once again. Take care......Sue Suetang |
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brianbeaudry Member
since 2001-07-20
Posts 410Northern Ontario Canada |
"G'day" dear friend!!!!! Beautiful poem and message Sue. Smile upon those that understand and smile larger for those that don't!!!Hugz friend!! |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Sue: Thanks for alerting me to this poem. I wouldn't want to have missed it. We have a handicapped son, who has been in a wheelchair off and on. Not at present, but I can really relate to what you have written. I must say, most people are very kind and understanding. Betty Lou Hebert |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Very well done Sue, when I am with my grandchild and he asks me about someone who has a disability I always take much time in explaining to him, that we should treat them equal and with love and kindness. This poem is very touching, nice write. floria Floria |
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Dee Member Elite
since 2000-08-19
Posts 2330Queensland, Australia |
Well said Sue! True wisdom. Dee I wish you every happiness and may you always have the best of the good things in life. a brand |
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thepoeticplumber Member
since 2001-05-15
Posts 185 |
You have written this piece with much concern. It should be read by so many. I could feel your great want to help as I read each line. Thank you for sharing this. Your friend always, Roger |
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