I was born handicapped
but my pediatrician
insisted that I was to be raised normal

No-one had to tell me
that there was something wrong
I ALWAYS knew it
I had a speech problem,
My gait was off

My Mom had to fight to get me in public school
I was bright
so the teachers "put up with me"

I NEVER wanted pity;
I just wanted to fit in
have a few friends
and fade into the furniture

I remember telling my Dad
who insisted that I was Normal
"If I'm normal; the other kids are
more normal
He just stared at me

Kids are mean
I survived

12/24/2020