I live in a body labelled; ‘handicapped’
Stunted legs and arms askew
I live in a body I wouldn’t have chosen
But then few of us do.
People say I’m brave
As though bravery were a choice
I learned early not to scream
For mine is an unheard of voice.
I live in a body labelled; ’second rate’
Though I feel second to none
When society knows the difference
Then my battle is won
Poem c.1971, Anonymonous
