I wrote this for all those people who are
handicapped or physically challenged in any way.
It is often a day to day struggle for
them to be accepted as just a regular person.

* * *

You look firstly at my wheelchair
And then you look at me
'tho I know that you're not blind
You are still unable to see

I am really not that different
I am really much like you
'tho some things may take time
There's still much that I can do

Please don't show me pity
I can look after myself
I'm not like a precious ornament
That sits upon a shelf

Please don't patronise me
And don't pretend to understand
I promise I will let you know
If I need a helping hand

There's no need to speak so slowly
I can hear each word you say
Just treat me with respect
And you will truly make my day

Just accept me as I am
Don't treat me differently
Try to step inside my shoes
And in time I'm sure you'll see

* * *

"The most emotionally healthy people
in our society are able to put
themselves into other people's shoes,
know how someone else is feeling
and care about that.
This capacity extends beyond
sexual and family intimacy.
It creates a circle of genuine feeling
that can extend, eventually,
to all of humankind."