Switch

Eventually, you get used to it:
Every time you walk into a room
And all eyes turn to glare at your noticeable difference.

They can’t help but gasp and raise their
Hands to cover their mouth
As if I wouldn’t notice their jaws
Dropping to the floor.

I used to shy away from their stares
And quickly scurry to hide in the dark
Shadows around the edges of the room.

Now, I look them directly in the eyes
And give a nod of recognition
And treat their stares as gazes of admiration
Even knowing they are appalled by my deformity.

But, really, who is deformed?

A man with two-eyes is deformed in a Cyclops convention.
Standing on two feet would be a deformity in a world full of Centaurs.
In a universe of bald people, that one who requires shampoo would be the odd ball.

I defy their stares, their gawks, and their looks of pity.
My difference, I dare say, sets me apart from your deformed normalcy.

I hold my head up high and sit in the most prominent position in the room.

Proud of my difference – for it gives me a perspective on things that
You can never achieve.

I am unique;
I do not envy those who are clones of what society considers the perfect shape and form.

Stare if you will
Your jealousy, as I choose to see it, is unbecoming and yet flattering.

Thank you for noticing that I am different.  
I am sure no one watched your every step when you entered the room.

And now, you may feel sorry for yourselves instead.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Brown Avatar
November 29, 2010 at 4:54 AM
Congratulations Joe on your win in John Heck's "Switch" contest. Love, Carol
Mehta Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 1:50 PM
Congratulation for this excellent write winning in the contest,
Kendrick Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 11:39 AM
Congratulations on your win in this fine contest..Sara
Richards Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 8:11 AM
You speak for millions who have walked in those same shoes....the compassion for those stared at souls, pours from this passionate poem. Congratulations Joe, a wonderful portrayal! Love, Carrie
Falotico Avatar
November 28, 2010 at 6:07 AM
Congrats on your win!!!!Michael
Neels Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 9:24 PM
Joe, absolutely love this one, turning the tables on those who stare! Congratulations on your win in John's contest ;-) Wilma
Harper Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 8:35 PM
Wow, inspirational even in the midst of pain, congrats on your win, wonderful!
Sweetheart Avatar
November 27, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Congrats Joe on your big win in John's contest with this brilliant write luv.. enjoy another top spot victory tonight with luv..
Brown Avatar
November 9, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Enjoyed reading your well written poetry today Joe. Thank you for sharing it. Love, Carol
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace