“MY DISABLED WORLD” – THE LAST DAY OF OUR COMPETITION: MORE OF YOUR POEMS TOMORROW

On By In News, Featured

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 31st OCTOBER 2020

poetry@disabilitytalk.co.uk

VIRGIN MEDIA are joint sponsors of “My Disabled World”

A LIST OF OUR NOMINATED CHARITIES SO FAR

MS (twice);  Cancer Research (twice);  Rutherford School;  Crohn’s & Colitis;  British Heart Foundation (twice);  SCOPE (four times);  Revialize;  Shekinah;  Versus Arthritis (twice);  WWF; Alzheimer’s Society;  AMAZE (three times);  Sutton Nightwatch;  Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health (twice);  BRAKE;  MIND (Eight times);  Children’s Hospice South West (Little Harbour);  Independent Lives;  SSAFA;  MNDA;  Bob Champion Cancer Charity;  Popsy Charity;  Invest in ME;  NCBI;  The Humane Society;  Dementia Care;  Headway UK;  Heart of Darts;  Rights of Women (twice);  Complex PTSD;  NASS (Eleven times);  FSH Muscular Dystrophy;  Mencap;  Teach Us Too;  Simon Community Glasgow;  Action on Hearing Loss;  Spinal Injuries Association (twice);  Bay Area Lyme Foundation;  KEEN Oxford;  The Parasol Project; Caudwell LymeCo (SIX times); White Lodge;  Zetta;  Help For Heroes ; Retina UK; Horses helping People;  RSPCA;  Dogs Trust;  Jim Cronin Memorial Fund;  Daft As A Brush;  Smile Train Africa;  Share A Star;  The Dystonia Society:  Bendrigg Trust;  PHAB;  Spondylitis Association of America;  Pets As Therapy (six times);  Teenage Cancer Trust; Warwickshire Vision Support;  Arthur Rank Hospice;  Synolos Social Enterprise;  Royal Society for the Blind (Adelaide);  CAROUSEL; The Baton;  Scottish Autism;  Autism Family Support (Oxford); Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion;  Dyspraxia Foundation UK;  Whizz-Kidz;  Warwick Rethink and M.U.S.T Hostel. 

……………………………………………………………………………….

Disabled and Normal

I’m so glad that your back to your normal self…

What does this statement of “normal” mean to you or I?

I find this insulting; when (or if) your health fluctuates.

Some people may interpret this as your not being “normal.”

Would life be simpler if you did not have the physical, mental or developmental differences?

I suppose that these challenges that mean you are not “normal” add to the rich tapestry of your life.

Everyone has challenges.

Although some individuals have more challenges than other people!

Would I change my life – to be defined as normal?

Free from the physical, mental or developmental disabilities?

Having a single disability has been a challenge.

It has made me stronger and given me better empathy to do my job.

Do I share that I have a disability?

Am I complicit in being embarrassed of having this disability.

I suppose; I don’t share my disability or “abnormality” with everyone.

Why?

The potential stigma and stereotypes that are faced by having a physical, mental or developmental differences.

Definitely does not encourage me to share my own personal information with others.

Having worked with a wide range of disabilities I shouldn’t be embarrassed.

However hearing colleagues discuss individuals with a variety of disabilities in a not always positive light.

Definitely does not instil me with faith and confidence.

To say “Look – I have a disability.”

Am I proud of having a physical, mental or developmental disability?

Recently I do feel defined by this disability, every minutia closely examined.

What does normal mean?

Can you say your “normal” just because you are free from disabilities?

What does disability mean to you or I?

Are you dissing my abilities?

Poem submitted by Izzy Scott whose favourite charity is Pets As Therapy

…………………………………………………………….

The Hostel

 I arrived with no place to stay.                               The hostel took me in.                                                                                    With a lot of care  and support We sorted my  problems out one by one.                                                                          Restored contact with love ones and meet again.                                 A lot of hard work           I was soon on my way. I got into a bit of bother. Helped  to find a safe place  to stay.                                                  With the support from sail Ì maintain my life in my home.                     For which  I am grateful for as my dreams come true and unfolds.

Poem submitted by Coraine Baveresbi whose favourity charity is M.U.S.T Hostel

………………………………………………………..

Let’s Rewind  

Let’s rewind, let’s go back, I was
always confident going forward.
 
Switch on the telly, there he is,
our hero, Captain Tom.
 
Keep walking, don’t stop – Keep moving –
Don’t stop.
 
This is war, not fighting in some
foreign field…… but battling prostate cancer.
 
I know I’m not alone, thousands of
unfortunate men are digging the trenches.
 
Keep going, talking, listening, doing what’s
right.
 
Eating properly, cut out sugar, alcohol.
Go for a walk, light exercise, but the
mind plays tricks confuses everything.
 
Keep mentally strong don’t be playing
those mind games like John.
 
But I’m down – You see I try not to
cry too often – Keep smiling – This
battle ain’t over.
 
I think of Bert, Billy, Bob, Duncy
Gordon, Jim, John, George, Leonard,
Robert and Roger.
 
Could be a tribute band but I pay
tribute to all my friends, who are on
the same journey.
 
I share with god my every thoughts.
I pray every day – Believe – Keep strong
for my family & friends.
 
I thank god for the dedication of
the amazing doctors & nurses – As Tina
would sing – You’re simply the best!
 
Maybe Captain Tom’s right – Do not fear

tomorrow is going to be a good day!

Poem submitted by William Closs
…………………………………………………
Unconditional Love
I am different some would say,
Not so good at things they say,
Reading, writing talking aloud some of the things that bring me down.
I don’t mind that some see me as special or different as they don’t understand all of me.
My pets love me unconditionally they always stay and listen to me, never judging, never rushing just always being there for me.
One day the world will understand me when I am working with my animal family I can be whatever I want to be even with a disability. I am me and I am free to live my life unconditionally with my animals who love me for me.
Poem Submitted by Bethany Rathbone whose favourite charity is Pets As Therapy
…………………………………
A Normailty

Normality
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only I felt fully able
I’m seen to be just flaking

Invisibility
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only it was believable
The income I am forsaking

Agility
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only I could stay stable
Excuses now in the making

Fragility
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only it was living a fable
The leaves that need raking

Capability
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only energy was tap-able
My daughter loves baking

Reliability
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only I could be dependable
So much time I’m taking

Stability
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only I was unstoppable
My independence is breaking

Spirituality
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only my mind was infallible
My whole being is aching

Individuality
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only fear wasn’t palpable
Seeking help has me quaking

Flexibility
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only I was more durable
The rigidity is snaking

Mobility
If only I was faking
If only it was put on
If only I was not so vulnerable
My strength I am mistaking

The strength that I am mistaking
As the pain is not only when waking
I am capable, visible and spiritual,
Creative, sociable and an individual

It’s now an altered path that I’m taking

Poem submitted by Aroona Murphy whose favourite charity is NASS

………………………………..

Depression is a monster

Depression is a monster                           It’s hidden in those bullies                            That destroys both heart and soul.           Who torture and demean,                                  It tortures without mercy                         Who use their words like weapons                      And consumes its victims whole                To destroy all self esteem.

It cripples and disables,                            It’s fuelled by those substances,                        Making life too hard to cope.                     That are used to help escape.                            It can make each day a nightmare            From that endless pain depression brings            And leave a person without hope.              And that unbearable heartache.

Some people feel this sadness                  It can cause someone to just give up,                From the time that they are young,           To lose all strength to fight.                              And believe that they are different             It can annihilate one’s very soul                        And can’t be loved by anyone.                   And make them take their life.

It’s reinforced by parents                          Yes, depression is a vulture                              Too depressed themselves to care              That will make anyone its prey.                        For that child they’re supposed to love,      There is no one who deserves it,                        But instead forget is there.                        And there is no one to blame.

Depression can be nurtured                       We don’t need to make a judgement,                Through violence and neglect                    But we need to be aware                                  And fists used only to degrade                  That those who suffer through this pain              And words used to reject.                         Just need the world to care.

Poem submitted by Charlie Gillespie whose favourite charity is MIND

……………………………………………