Disabled

He rides his wheelchair like a racing car
The rainbow colours blending into one
He grins his infectious grin, his wide mouth 
welcoming and warm

He stutters, his sentences an intricate mess of
words that won't come the way he wants them to
And Tourette is not HIS name, but all the same
it makes him a wondrous one to view.

He doesn't understand most jokes, so serious!
But laughs uncontrollably at his own pun
So fun! But one must love his beautiful hair
His green eyes, and everliving optimism

I know him well, from the inside out, so proud
is he. Remember well!  This does not define
the him he is, I live with him day in, day out
Because you see? I do not notice disability.

For me he is as normal as can be, for I am he
I live with me, and disability, and poetry.

***

4th Place in Contest: In a relationship with a dis-ABLED person - Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: W. Thomas Markham
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Kilma Avatar
April 30, 2017 at 3:21 PM
"But laughs uncontrollably at his own pun" I love that line and how you weave in humor into this subject. Making light helps people understand your experiences easily. Gamela gedan :) saba'a for me
White Avatar
April 30, 2017 at 3:26 PM
Thanks! Also for the seven. I love it how we transcribe our language in such different ways, I would write: "jamila jiddan, sab'a :)
Kendrick Avatar
December 7, 2016 at 12:53 PM
Congrats on your winning work..I enjoyed reading this one today..Tourette's must be one of those illnesses that can vary in its severity..Thanks for the visit to my page with congrats on my work..Sara
White Avatar
December 7, 2016 at 1:01 PM
Tourette is indeed very different for everyone. The most notorious one is where the sufferer yells all sorts of obscenities and curses. That is not what I do, but I have severe tics in my face, and i flap my arms and hands. Thank you for reading my poem :)
Y. Avatar
December 4, 2016 at 7:28 AM
Hi Darren, You captured what this contest was all about. Excellent job. Congratulations on your win. It was well deserved. A without doubt seven: -) Alexis
White Avatar
December 7, 2016 at 12:59 PM
Oh, Alexis, a 7, I am honoured :) Thank you!!!
Neumann Avatar
December 4, 2016 at 2:52 AM
The winner for me. Congratulations, Kai
White Avatar
December 4, 2016 at 2:54 AM
Thanks Kai :)))
Allison Avatar
December 4, 2016 at 12:19 AM
Dropping back with BIG congrats:-) hugs Jan xx
White Avatar
December 4, 2016 at 12:28 AM
Thanks, Jan HUGS xx
Medders Tobechi Avatar
December 3, 2016 at 11:30 AM
I love this verse. It is a 7 for me. Very well written. Congratulations.
White Avatar
December 3, 2016 at 12:16 PM
Oh, Janis, that is a REAL compliment, thank you so much, I am honoured :)
Godwin Avatar
October 9, 2016 at 9:15 PM
How did you wrap your mind around this contest, I mean - what to leave in, what to leave out? I think of my son and darned if I can answer the questions I put to you. You used humor when you could have easily done the opposite and I salute you for using your brave face. Also, the ending is very creative - and dramatic. Wouldn't you agree we could pen a book on the subject? I feel you ... CayCay
White Avatar
October 9, 2016 at 9:37 PM
To be honest, I wrote this one very fast. I could have added an enormous amount of lines, but I think this was sufficient.... This is my life, often it is extremely hard and painful, but there is so much fun too. I think it must be hard for you to answer these questions..... And yes, I wholeheartedly agree you and I could write a book on this subject...
Allison Avatar
October 7, 2016 at 9:16 AM
WOW! I KNEW you would nail this one Darren!!! If anyone can write about a relationship with a 'dis-abled' person it is you and I love the angle from which you approached the subject:-) hugs jan xx
White Avatar
October 7, 2016 at 9:38 AM
Thanks SO MUCH Jan, hugs :-)
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