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Open Poetry #23
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Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia

0 posted 2002-11-02 04:53 PM





You and I are not that different
We are of the human variety
The only difference between us
Is this chair supporting me

You can look me in the eye
And I'll assure you I won't bite
I have a kind and loving nature
There's no chance I'll start a fight

Some people look straight through me
They're not sure of what to do
Just because I'm in a wheelchair
Doesn't mean I don't hurt too

So extend your hand of friendship
And send a smile my way
Then I know we'll both feel better
And you'll help to make my day

* * * *

I have not written this from personal
experience and in no way did I intend
this to be disrespectful in any way.
I simply tried to imagine how my life
might be if I was confined to a
wheelchair and what the reactions of
people would be.

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

© Copyright 2002 Sue Tancheff - All Rights Reserved
Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
1 posted 2002-11-02 04:58 PM




(big hugggsssssss) Oh Sue, I know just what you mean and you are never disrespectful as you show love to everyone! (sigh) I too can only imagine the grief and struggles others have to endure each day in their lives and your heart displays a compassion that is so rare and so golden in the world today and I wish there could be many more people like you in the world to reach out to others and imagine how they feel! (sigh) God Bless You, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sue, thank you for sharing!



May love and light alwyas shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Wind
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2002-10-12
Posts 2981

2 posted 2002-11-02 05:23 PM


My sister and I know a boy in a wheelchair. He can't talk very well because he has that dissease that I don't know how to spell. I hate to pity him, but it is hard not to. He has to sit outside durng parties, because the chair won't fit through the door.
Magnus
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
3 posted 2002-11-02 05:32 PM


Sue,  very well said for a person who does
not have to be confined to a wheelchair or
some other illness which has taken away
some part of their mobility....Thank you for
expressing these thoughts..

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
4 posted 2002-11-02 05:41 PM


If only people didn't turn a blind eye to those less fortunate. At times it may be because they do not wish to appear to be staring, but many of the disabled that I have had the pleasure of knowing, would prefer someone to look them straight in the eye and smile and openly connect with them--- one soul to another.

Another lovely and compassionate write from you dear Sue!

Linda

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
5 posted 2002-11-02 08:01 PM


What a caring poem to help understand what it's like to be physically challenged.

Bless you for your awareness and for writing this.

Hugs, Marti

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

vandana
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Patricius
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463
USA
6 posted 2002-11-02 08:25 PM


enjoyed
garysgirl
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
7 posted 2002-11-02 09:50 PM


Sue, the idea for this poem really shows
what a kind and compassionate person you
are. I wonder how many people stop to
wonder how someone in a wheelchair feels.
This is very special, dear Sue.
Thanks for sharing you heart, friend.

~~With  Love  And  Hugs  To  All~~
                  Ethel

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
8 posted 2002-11-02 10:14 PM


Thanks for posting this one, Sue...
After I had the surgery on my leg, I was using crutches and now I am healed enough to use a cane... but, when we go to physical therapy and its a very long walk from the parking lot,  David has to wheel me in a wheelchair, especially if we are late...
and the one thing I notice is that if you are in a wheel chair, people don't talk to your face... they talk to whomever is wheeling the chair...  Sometimes when we go shopping in the mall, if my leg is hurting, I get one of those little electric carts which are such fun to use... and I notice that no one reacts negatively to that because you can run them over... and also because you are actively steering the thing... but people in wheelchairs, even if they are only in it for a short temporary time, as I have been... are always looked down upon, as if they are subhuman.
I never use them unless I absolutely have to because of that!
I think you are very perceptive to have written this poem...
on behalf of everyone who has ever had to use a wheelchair... I thank you for sharing it with us
~ big loving chipmunk hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Kethry
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
9 posted 2002-11-03 06:52 AM


Sue, this shows a great depth of perception. I have noticed than when someone is in a wheelchair eyes sort of slide around the edges.
This says it all.
"Some people look straight through me
They're not sure of what to do"
Well written
Kethry

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
10 posted 2002-11-03 03:58 PM


Thank you all for your encouraging and warm replies.

Take care.....Sue

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

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