“MY DISABLED WORLD” – HERE ARE ALL YOUR POEMS (THIS IS PART FOUR)

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There are 123 poems entered for our “My Disabled World” poetry competition

         HERE IS PART FOUR (25 Poems)

In all there are 123 entries and here, at Disability Talk & Virgin Media, we want to thank everybody who took part – and wish everyone of you the best of luck .. as well as your chosen charities. The winners (the poets of the twelve ‘most liked’ poems) will be announced in December.

Best wishes to you all – Chris Jordan (Founder of ‘Disability Talk)

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After The Winter Night

I am cold
but when the frost is over
I will enjoy the heat
of the morning sun
After the winter night
I will pick the first flowers
That grow,
to keep them in my heart
until the next storm

Poem submitted by Lill Due whose favourite charity is NASS

You’re Entitled To A Life

You’re entitled to what will keep you fulfilled
You can get what you need and no one will question you
You’re entitled to dwellings that fit what you need
You’re entitled to life, you can live as you like

You’re allowed supplies to feed yourself
No one says you’re entitled, they know you’re not a cheat
You’re entitled to breathe, to not starve
You’re entitled to a life, you’ve got permission to survive

No one asks you what your body’s for
You’re not told that you’re faking, that you’re after rewards
They know you’re not a scrounger, you don’t have to prove your worth
They agree you’re entitled to your existence on this earth

You’re entitled to dignity, you don’t have to expose your life
People know what’s private, they won’t probe you for details
You can keep things to yourself and choose what to share
You’re entitled to your life not being invaded

You can leave your dwellings and seek good times
You have the benefits you need for a social life
You go to bed when you want to, you can do it all yourself
You’re entitled to independence, but you’re allowed someone else

You don’t have to protest so you can live like everyone
Everything’s set out, it all fits in with you
You won’t have things that you fought for taken away
You’re entitled to your life and they respect your rights

You’re entitled to a relationship and you can be understood
They’re attracted to you, they see what you can do
You won’t be dismissed, you’re not a misfit
You’re entitled to the closeness you need

You don’t have to prove you tell the truth
Assessors don’t prod you and investigate your life
You don’t have to show them what need to survive
You’re entitled to your life, you can stay dignified

You don’t have to change your routine to help others
When you hear of these people, you can just life your life
If their existence feels inconvenient
They’re not entitled to life, you won’t notice them die

You’re entitled to your life, cause your life is worth living
They’ll save you if you’re ill, you’re worth every resource
You won’t be sacrificed for someone more important
You’re entitled to a life, they’ll help you live, not die

Poem submitted by Sam Castell-Ward whose favourite charity is CAROUSEL

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A geek and nerd demeanour

A geek and nerd demeanour

My hopes and dreams were over
Sad wounds would not recover
I depend on four leaf clovers
My goals washed down the river

The errors were uncovered
How I had to really suffer
Getting tangled in much bother
Always hindered in bad weather

My jobs didn’t hold together
I couldn’t count, weigh or measure
Tempers would really lather
From my mother and father

The house slipped to slathers
As bills would quickly gather
With puzzling ledgers
Doors battered by debtors

I felt like a dirty beggar
Who had fallen to the cellar
Cued by lying fortune tellers
With misleading patter

I needed a propeller
My friendships were all severed
Like ill fit shoes with tremor

Crucified with the pressure

Worry hounded me with hammers
A victim of people's humour
Conversation was a stammer
A geek and nerd demeanour

Poem submitted by Chris Tait whose favourite charity is Scottish Autism

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Autism, Disability/Ability

I breathe the same air
I see the same sights
I hear the same sounds
I feel the same sunlight
Yet, sometimes, differently.
I learnt the same language
I speak the same language
But I remember thinking
With no words.
I can still think wordlessly
Sometimes my hesitancy
Is as I translate my
Thought to your words.
Sometimes I understand language
Differently.
I seek the same love
I seek understanding
I love deeply.
I know pain, and joy.
I look at our world
Perhaps I see it differently
Perhaps I sense it differently
But my sight is insight
Just as much as yours.
My ways, My thoughts
My feelings
Show us all something
new; if we will learn to
listen, see, feel
differently
too.
Poem submitted by Sara Conlon whose favourite charity is Autism Family Support
Jack and Jill
Jack the twitcher
Twerks and jerks
Muscles not as well behaved
Condition chronic
Quite dystonic
Stillness craved
All who gaze upon his mix
Of tortured gurning
Shakes and tics
Though trying not to disapprove
Think that maybe
He could move
Not his limbs in random flight
But out the way
And out of sight
With Jill, his wife
They sympathise
‘Poor thing’ they say
‘To have to be
With Jack all day at home
To see him twisting
To the skies
And listen to him
Squeak and groan’
But Jill has troubles of her own
Conditions quite debilitating
To her dismay
She has a lack
Of symptoms on display
Though none can see
Her hidden pain
She suffers just as much as Jack
In a discriminating way
‘But why?’ They ask
And make a fuss
‘Has Jill a pass
With extra plus
Which lets her jumping Jack ride free
As long as he
Accompanies
His wife upon the bus
And why has she
A special key
That lets her use
Disabled loos
For those with poor mobility
To crutch or chair constricted.
To anyone
We see can run
That access is restricted!’
So neither
Jack nor Jill
Can get a break
From public scorn
Hidden, seen
The world’s unfair
If you’re afflicted
Or need care
From when you’re born
Poem submitted by Christopher Dallman whose favourite charity is:
Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion
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Clumsy Child
You tripped over your own feet;
moved as if your body were bigger than the space around it.
Holding your hands out to make sure you fit,
knowing you didn’t.
Not like the other kids.
Couldn’t catch a ball, tie your shoes, button a shirt.
Simple things, like instructions,
a foreign language
that everyone else understood,
except you.
Growing quieter with every year.
Retreating from the world.
From us,
and all our expectations.
Poem submitted by Cathy Cole whose favourite charity is:
Dyspraxia Foundation UK
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Rolling Through The World

Rolling through the world

In these strange days

So much change, such a daze,

Yet the chair stays

Physical limits, always to bare

The burden, not to share

But this year, a little different

Everyone’s saying: “I want to be there!”

Books are the release

An avenue of peace

No limits here, as I move up a gear

To devour Shakespeare

Disability is my past, present, future

But not the defining feature

Come towards me and you’ll see,

All the facets that make up me!”

Poem submitted by Josh Dennis whose favourite charity is Whizz-Kidz

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Can You See Me?

I see the pain, I hear the pain
It has a colour, it has a sound

I can see it, I can hear it
No stranger can

My husband can see it in my face
My husband can hear it in my face

My animals can see it, hear it
To them it’s not invisible

It is invisible to strangers
It is real to me

Are they real?
Am I real?

 

Poem submitted by Susan Martin whose favourite charity is Pets As Therapy

Life Is A Thorny Black Rose

Bitter sweet, up and down, hurt and burnt,…..                                                                  Life is a Thorny Black Rose                                                                                              Ecstatic, suicidal, manic, zombified;

Low, like an anchor into a bottomless sea,
High, Like a helium balloon floating endlessly upward,
‘Knives in the back’, Can’t get out of bed,                                                                         Wings guiding me forward out of the darkness and into infinite light,

Expansive states of mind forever reaching into the depths of consciousness                        concepts of the Universe and Purpose,
Then Dead, like a rotten corpse, mouldy, stale,

I feel Lost, so lost, so lost…..
Life Is A Thorny Black Rose,                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Into a boundless labyrinth I tred                                                                                      No way out, only through, but no clues, no clues, so lost                                                  Wall after wall, after wall, the odds stacked against me,                                                  The World Crumbling around me, suicide, sickness, death, shadows,                                  But hope, new life, Birth, Joy                                                                                          I trek and wander, and walk and walk,                                                                              Aeons seem to go by, lost, so lost wandering aimlessly it seems

Then I discover an immense trunk with thorns                                                                  Reaching up into the sky,                                                                                                I climb, … Then at the top I discover it’s a Rose,                                                             A Jet Black Rose,                                                                                                          And inside I find a new hope,                                                                                          I lie within its center, and Realise…………….

Life Is A Thorny Black Rose.

Marvelous, So Beautiful, Complex, Yet Dark and Powerful,                                        Thorny, Painful, Yet Glowing so Radiantly, So Elegantly, So Electric but Gloomy,         Prickly, Spiky yet so Egmatic,
It Is an enigma,
It Is a Mystery…………

Life Is A Thorny Black Rose.

Poem submitted by Denny Reader whose favourite charity is Warwick Rethink

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It’s a diverse world

It’s a diverse world that we live in, you see
Everyone can’t be like you and me
One day, if you didn’t look the part or couldn’t climb the stairs
You’d be outcast, ignored or dodging the stares
Things are different now, aren’t they?
We all have equal rights, they say
A world without difference is a world that is dull
Your glass shouldn’t be half empty, but half full
At the end of a rainbow, where’s the pot of gold?
We should all hope for warmth for all, not cold
A little respect goes a long, long way
It costs the same as the sun in each new day
It’s a changing world that we live in, you see
Everyone can’t be like you and me

Poem submitted by Carole Cunliffe whose favourite charity is Pets As Therapy

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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

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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

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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
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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
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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

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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

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“My MS – the unwanted guest”

Not a day goes by, my body always pained,
Muscles in spasm, my nerves inflamed.
Pills in the morning and middle of the day,
Even injections to jeep it at bay.
Each day gets harder and harder to cope,
Without any compliments, it gives me no hope.
Apart from my legs, what’s wrong with me?
I’d like to know what you really see.
I only feel normal when driving my car,
An able-bodied person seen from afar.
Behind the wheel I’m as good as you all,
I’m happy and proud, less likely to fall.
Can’t swim, run, walk or dance,
But I’ve a lot to give,  just given the chance.
To live to old age, I think I’d despair,
I’ve put up with enough, it wouldn’t be fair.
Longevity, please, it’s not for me,
Tired of this body, just want to be free.
Unable to walk, unable to stand,
Where will I be, need a helping hand.
Said all my prayers, can’t cry any more,
Life full of troubles, emotions too raw.
Maybe I’ll catch something, body will fail,
To take me away on that Heavenly trail…
Who knows?
Poem submitted by Angie Burton whose favourite charity is:
The Chiltern MS Centre 
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If A Picture Paints A Thousand Words
My exterior is just a painted picture
That hides beneath many colours
of my inferior
Believe me this is unknown criteria
Let me draw you a picture that reflects
My expression of Mental Anxiety and
Panic attacks
Which feels like a broken world
With no empathy from anyone
as I search for someone
Painfully holding on to hope
for the loved one
Maybe we may elope
So many colours of Art
that scatter illusion
As I know when you look at me
you are in a state of confusion
My face certainly looks fine to you
but it is only hidden with mental abuse
Remember you cannot recognise anxiety
that reflects colours of dark blue days
that never ever fade
How I wish there was someone there
by my side to lead the way
Waiting for that light golden shade
underneath the tunnel
Maybe I can escape through a funnel
or even better
help my anxiety fears
please my dear
create that picture
One sky blue day
I will go on the Eurotunnel
As my journey is nothing but
Flight or Fight
Red alert shades
Palpitations that lead to
Panic attacks
Please come back
Stay with me
As I don’t want another relapse
While I am collapsing to the ground
All you have to do is keep talking to me
Help me get me out of this trance
and just knell on the green grass
But please do it fast
Paint me a colour of the rainbow
as I lay unconscious
Recover me through the steps
and bring me back to life
Into a warm glow of sunshine
If you don’t mind
You are so kind
You will help me complete this
Picture of a thousand words
As you help me breath
I am waking up to heal
You are the first one I see
that you are real
Now I truly believe
That this is an empathy deal
Poem submitted by Shaheen Iqbal
The Dr. said … Spina Bifida
So thats what I have spina bifida
Thats what causes the pain,
All down my legs and my back
Its not just in my brain
All that time off school
I need to get on track
Focus and see what I can achieve
In myself believe
Not listen to those that are naive
Not let myself become invisible
Not do nothing and be miserable
They may look at me and stare
Its only a chair
To me my legs
I will not let my life be full of regrets
I am the same
I will feel no shame
I surround myself with positivity
Not let my mobility
Stop all the activity
Its just a disability
I will achieve all my goals
I can do any role
As good as you
Yes its true
Bless their souls
The trolls
Who don’t understand
About the productivity
All the activity
I can achieve even with limited mobility
Im human, I care, I love , I give
And I forgive
Those whom doubt my worth
This was my birth
The way I entered this earth
And I will show you im special to
I will come through in all do
And show you who knew
I always would
Its my life and its so good
Poem submitted by Ann Latham whose favourite charity is Pets As Therapy
……………………………………………..
Disabelety

“Can I go to the garden too?”
I asked one day,
As I saw Anne collecting flowers in the garden
Like she does every morning

But mom refused
“Large scary bugs would eat you alive”, said she
I did not know that bugs can eat me
I wondered, however, why the bugs would spare Anne

Anne really is the best sister in the universe
I want to be just like her, strong and caring
I am a bit weak right now,
But mom said I will grow big soon if I drink my milk

I miss dad a lot
He left a long time ago
Mom and dad were always fighting
So, I asked Anne about it

She said something about my ‘disabelety’
Anne is so smart for knowing such difficult words
I do not know what that means though
I will be a big kid soon so I will ask mom then

I am turning six tomorrow
And I know just what my birthday gift is going to be
I will ask mom once again
“Can I go to the garden too?”

Poem submitted by Javeria Hamid whose favourite charity is:

Rising Sun Institute for Special Children

………………………………………………………..

When You Look At Me

Some call it ‘visual impairment’, others ‘disability’;

Yet to my mind ‘tis but a slight difficulty

To which I must adapt, come to terms with, and surmount,

Not letting it be a barrier to making my life count.

 

So I endeavour to live life with a positive attitude,

Greeting the difficulties I face with stoical fortitude;

I focus on all I can, and not on what I can’t do,

And thank God that the ‘can’ts’ are relatively few.

 

This weakness in one area doesn’t permeate the whole,

So why should it discourage me, or my life control?

In no life need it ever exert mastery,

For, have you e’er pondered the true limits of disability?

 

It cannot crush the spirit; it cannot break the will;

It cannot touch the soul, or its essence distil;

It cannot lessen emotions, or the heart’s capacity

To love fully, gladly, deeply and sacrificially.

 

It doesn’t breed discontentment, self-pity, bitterness,

But celebrates every positive with humble thankfulness;

And passion for life it, in no way, will diminish,

Nor snuff out the hunger to persevere to the finish.

 

It cannot divest us of individuality,

Nor stifle hopes, dreams, ambitions and creativity;

And it cannot mute a voice that should be heard, understood,

Nor prevent anyone being an influence for good.

 

For, be the problem one of mobility, speech or seeing,

It can never make its bearer a lesser human being,

Or negate their contribution to society;

So, won’t you focus on the person, not their disability?

Poem Submitted by Ian Caughey whose favourite Charity is:

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke

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I Gave A Heart

I made a heart for you.                                                                                              You hold it like a precious ruby.                                                                                        The gold makes you feel happy like a bright apple.                                                            Red is a rose,                                                                                                                Love is like church music,                                                                                                Dancing feels like a waterfall,                                                                                          Almost in tears feels like raindrops,                                                                                  Kissing feels like soft gelato.

Poem submitted by Galina MacNeacail

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Award?

I’m spending a penny
Sending a sound
Hear Evelyn Glenny
Getting around
It is a waive sent
Speakin’ a load
Trip on a pavement
It’s unique is the code
Disabled, yes
With it a falter?
Pray with zest
The systems to alter
Believe in me please
Weathered a bit
From sleeves at knees
Developed to hit
Let plans bind
Become one
Listen Mankind
What’s done is done
But we enter a phase
Get the rain
Sent to a stage
Entertain
The plan may squawk
Grin at the sword
If I cany walk
Can I win an award?

Poem submitted by Joe McGurk whose favourite charity is Headway

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The Quest

Each journey starts with a small step                                                                              You try to get out of bed                                                                                                 First it takes an hour to clear your weary head

Swing you legs off the side                                                                                              The pain coursing, getting too much                                                                                 A crutch, a crutch, my kingdom for a crutch!

You try to stand up straight                                                                                             Then remember its been decades since your fused spine allowed                                       You walk on like a priest, head bowed

Push forward now                                                                                                          V for victory you start to move                                                                                        V for velocity, 0.00000000001 mph, I am in my groove

Now you traverse on                                                                                                      Like a character from Tolkien                                                                                          You make it to you throne                                                                                              Now if I could only wipe my……………………..

Poem submitted by Chris Mcclusky whose favourite charity is NASS

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Visible me with M.E.

I’ve alway been invisible, me
Never the prettiest, smartest, or most bubbly
“Oh her, she’s quite nice but a bit boring”
I never had all the boys flocking, adoring

Then my body, mind and confidence grew
Enjoying lots of experiences, old and new
Came a little out of my shell and went just a bit wild
Then found a great man and had a gorgeous child

Now I’m sick but nothing dramatic for me
Just a slow stealing away of energy
Awful aches and pains and feeling of being ill
Unknown unless I always complain and I never will

Fitting, I suppose, to a tee
An invisible illness for invisible me
Having to cope with a life changing disease
When all around assume I’m at ease

Now, the challenge to be seen and get to be
The kind and generous person I never had time to be
Now I can see the beautiful, simple things all around
As I no longer have to rush, push and pound.

Poem submitted by Philippa Lowther whose favourite charity is M.E. Resarch

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