My Handicap Beach

My Handicap Beach


As I lay here and look out the window from our hotel at the absolutely amazing view..
It makes me wonder how something so simple creates such beauty and always seems so new..
I feel sadness for those who pass by every day and don’t think another thought about..
The beauty that surrounds them from the beach and the water with the waves washing in and out..
The lighthouse that stands unintentionally stoic and tall and lights the way for those out at sea..
And the sand that finally runs across my toes which has been a dream for so long for me…
This was only possible with the help of a loving person who got me where I needed to go…
And to whom I really hope does realize how much they have helped me in many ways to grow..
And there are always a few people that have to make a spectacle of a girl in a wheelchair..
As they walk by me and say things in a whisper as if they think I can’t hear along with a stare here and there..
If they only knew that It was one of the best days of my life and that I am feeling so relaxed and at ease..
I will take all of their comments and let them go over my head along with the beautiful breeze..
Because this morning I may have been the disabled girl on the beach which was a wonderful thing to me..
And until you learn to see the view from down in a wheelchair every day I don’t care what you think you see...
Because today my view was from the warm sand on a beach towel that was laid down just for me and was the best..
Day I have had in so long because I was no longer that poor gilt in the wheelchair and felt almost like all of the rest..
Of beach goers and comers to the new jersey shore in Atlantic City and right on the pier that is very well known..
For gambling and partying but for me it was just to feel the sand on my toes and feel like I was not handicapped if even for a few moments alone..
Coming home with my stuff in disarray the way it always is along with a few souvenirs because they are from my very first trip away from home..
I loved it so much and want to thank those who took me long on a short but awesome vacation to start me going more which I really hope..
Because it’s nice sometimes to go to places that make you feel different than the usual girl in the wheelchair always needing help from what I call in my head my proverbial rope..
Buffy Sammons
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Schlesinger-Fleming Avatar
September 10, 2024 at 5:09 PM
Buffy, congratulations on your poem being featured on the PS homepage. Loved this beautiful and thoughtful write. Your inner beauty flows all over this piece.
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
May 25, 2022 at 7:27 AM
BTW, I'm going to Atlantic City this Summer. I hope I can see the beauty beyond the boardwalk, too. Rhonda xx
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
May 25, 2022 at 7:24 AM
Wow, Buffy...I am touched by the honesty of your words. Your ability to find joy in the world around you and beauty that others take for granted is inspiring. Sometimes what others perceive as a handicap, I see as a challenge that brings gifts of intuitiveness, empathy, and enlightenment. Thanks for sharing. Rhonda xx
Kettle Avatar
July 29, 2017 at 11:57 AM
I love the beach too, I'm literally close to it right now, wish you were here but sounds like your spirit lives here. Enjoy and thanks for the inspiration!
Duncan Avatar
July 26, 2017 at 7:38 PM
Love it :) others sometimes don't understand.
Rainwater Avatar
July 26, 2017 at 11:59 AM
this is awsome i love it keep on writring very good :) god bless
De Beaulieu Avatar
July 26, 2017 at 11:39 AM
Wow! I had a hard time to find the spot to comment on your poem. Your poem is beautiful. You have strength,I see it. Good for you to go on the beach.I made this poem my favourite. Did you go to school with handicapped children? You are my new friend.
Pett Avatar
July 26, 2017 at 9:58 AM
Absolutely inspirational Buffy, great piece of writing, a joy to read, thanks for sharing.
Bee Avatar
July 26, 2017 at 12:00 AM
I love your perspective, and I hope to never take experience for granted. I really enjoyed reading this.
Hodges Avatar
July 25, 2017 at 3:45 PM
I love this poem! It's so touching and moving. The beach is definitely a beautiful place to be at, I'm glad to know people find the beauty in being at the beach. It's also touching that someone would make this possible for someone who has a disability. This poem is very heartwarming, it makes me cry! Awesome write.
Hurlin Shelton Avatar
July 25, 2017 at 3:40 PM
Dear Buffy, You really do write excellently, well done. You have mastered a long breath line,Walt whitman was famous for it. Your Verse does have a prose style , its prose that rhymes, but if definitely has a very poetic feel to it, and is very consistent in its metre.Your poem is very heartfelt and goodspirited and shares a lot with us, giving us a glimpse into your world. So sorry to hear that you are wheelchair bound, God bless you.
Timperley Avatar
July 25, 2017 at 2:43 PM
Oh Wow! What an awesome story! I was wheelchair bound for a short time, felt like a lifetime, but surgery sorted me out. We now live the life you had for a vacation and I do relate to everything you say. Some folks wander almost blindfold from bar to bar and never seeing the splendor of the coast. Thanks for sharing your moment with us. God Bless
Marie Avatar
April 10, 2017 at 6:04 PM
Wow! An incredible moving story that I am quite touched by. The details are so heartfelt and full of emotion I had chills. The ocean is a special place for me and your beautiful words of your 'toes in the sand' and how it was your dream, had me smiling with happy tears at your Joy. Your poem overflows with gratitude for all you have and experienced on fulfilling your Dream. Your words brought me right along with you feeling your every emotion. A magnificent write :-)a fave I am glad it is featured
A   Avatar
July 5, 2015 at 3:23 AM
Buffy, congratulations. Always & Forever ~LINDA~
Sammons Avatar
July 30, 2015 at 1:41 PM
Thank you so much..
A  Avatar
July 4, 2015 at 7:50 PM
Buffy :) CONGRATULATIONS!!! Thank you for supporting my contest. LOVE SKAT :)
Sammons Avatar
July 30, 2015 at 1:41 PM
Humbled by your response..thank you
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