"You're An Inspiration"

“You’re an inspiration”

I hear as I’m checking the mail.

“You’re an inspiration”

I hear as I’m well…

Grocery shopping.

In the aisle, faking a smile --

In the general direction of the one who means well.

Well,

I’m sorry to inform that your ‘compliment’ is actually doing harm --

To an entire community of those who are just living.

Those that wish you would stop giving --

Your pity when you see them go about their day.

That pity just says,

“I know you’re disabled, but seeing that you’re able to pick that pasta box up from the shelf and place it in your cart, just warms my heart because I don’t think I could live like you.”

Let me break this down for you.

“I don’t think I could live like you.”

What is this saying?

This is saying that there is no value to our lives.

People would rather die --

Than live a life like us.

What if we told you that we were happy?

Would that change your mind?

No.

Because the disabled are defined;

As unable.

Unable to be happy.

Unable to enjoy life.

Unable to have a husband, wife, or partner for life.

The stereotypical portrayal that our life is unbearable needs to stop.

We’re put in this box and defined by these terms that erase the value of our worth.