If I didn't have a disability, I might be a jerk

A free-form poem


If I didn't have a disability...

I might not be as sympathetic to the needs of others.

If I didn't have a disability...

would I be as patient when things don't go the way I planned?

If I didn't have a disability...

would I be as willing to socialize outside my culture?

If I didn't have a disability...

would I mind if I were the "minority" in the room?

If I didn't have a disability...

would I know how to empathize with the kid who got picked on for having pimples and wearing glasses

and would I know what it's like to be judged by stereotypes and  for people assume I can't have a normal life: a wife, kids, a vibrant social life or a normal job?

If didn't have a disability...

would I feel so attached to human rights and the Dream of Dr. King so much so that I put a poster of him on my wall while, of course, I am still white?

If didn't have a disability...

would I see a gay couple and think of how horrible it would be if I were told I couldn't get married because I have Cerebral Palsy or because my lady is Filipino?

If didn't have a disability...

would I be a jerk?

I may never know these things --

 yet I indeed know the blessings that my "disability" brings!



Roll on!