THIS CHAIR IS NOT ME

What do you see when you look at me?
An ugly metal chair with wheels to run around?
This chair is not me.
What do you feel when you pass me by-
A shudder of distaste or there but for the grace of God go I?
This chair is not me.
What do you say when my back is turned?
Do you laugh or call me names?
This chair is not me.
I drink, I am one of the boys.
I laugh, I cry, I have a sense of humour
And rules that I live by.
This chair is not me.
I have wants, I have needs,
I have hopes and I have dreams.
Some will bear fruit,
Others will not come to be.
But whatever happens in my life,
This chair will never be me.

This wheelchair is not me,
It's just my way of getting around.
I am me!
Just because my legs don't work,
Doesn't mean my brain can't.
Please see me as a person.
I can think.
I can see.
I can hear.
I can feel.
I can make decisions.
I am not a baby.
Don't treat me as a baby.
Some people treat me as if I were rubbish.
I am not rubbish!
I am worth as much as the next person.
Some people treat me as if I were mad.
Maybe I am mad, but in a happy kind of way.
Please see me.
Please talk to me.
Please hear me , listen to me.
Please take time to get to know me,
Because I would like to get to know you.

©Alan Martin 1994