The Journey

Calipers and crutches,
a stumbling gait,
movements awkward.
Falling, often a silly thing, but
sometimes breaking spirit;
something breaks inside,
inaudible, but I hear it
in my soul!

A wheelchair lives here,
paint off doorways,
shoe, tyre scuffs
across door frames,
a nick here, a chink there,
scuff marks on flooring,
carpets bunching.
Marks of frustration
(the silent battle)
fist clenched,
anger, sometimes not
directed, just anger;
a door frame, a brick wall,
broken skin, a smear of blood,
expletives,
a quietened spirit.

Torn fabrics, worn seams,
hands grasping to
find balance,
stain marks

Sometimes yes,
sometimes no,
sometimes it does,
sometimes it doesn't.

People can say,
people can do,
the mind plays tricks,
thoughts endless,
they live here too.

Step by step
minute by minute
day by day,
emotions up,
emotions down,
a daily thing.

Frustrations endless,
not to mark days with such, but
to find a peace.
These things my world,
safety, security,
within I live, I breathe,
I exist in
validation of a life.

Step by step
minute by minute,
day by day.

A wheelchair
making this family to grow,
it's me, things around comforting,
my life, a peace, an understanding,
a strength in knowing!

Disability, a strength burning,
protected by its walls,
a quantity known, and
it's all in me.
A friend closer
than any other,
in me an understanding,
an accepting.

Reviews

[Red Brick Keshner]

Life's journeys appear to be preset before we even break the scene. And to not be broken by what surrounds us allows us to travel through by whatever means available to us. So uplifting!

[Richard M]

Thank you for reading and yourcomments. It certainly adds a little spice to life, but it becomes you and you just deal with it. Having a disability from the start, it melds into life, it just is!
Take a my friend.
Richard

[Red Brick Keshner]

We be our own heroes. That is a shining outlook and manner. Thanks again R.
Freds.

[Kelly Scheppers]

A wheelchair took occupancy in my house back in 1982, when my mother had her leg amputated. My stepfather built a ramp outside leading from the handicapped parking space up to the steps of our porch. We even put tennis balls on her walker to make navigation a little smoother. You have penned quite an evoking piece here, Richard. I am overwhelmed by how much it touched me by reading it. My mother's disability only lasted a year, for her remaining leg had to be amputated almost a year later to the day, then we lost her from a heart attack within days following. Her disability came with such a grave understanding and acceptance, as you've stated here. Not just for my mother, but for each of us who were witness to her sacrifice and journey. I pray a part of her strength will continue to live in me. Thank you for sharing this incredible poem. Bless you!

[Richard M]

Hi Kelly, Thank you for reading and for sharing the story of your mother. It still amazes me how 'households' weave themselves around disability and the changing dynamics that happen. I love hearing others' stories, as it helps me in perspective of my own. Thank you my friend for sharing.
Love and more strength to you.
Take care
Richard

[Just Kim]

disability is hard to cope with. I had to be in a wheel chair for a while. It was hard to use.
It is frustrating at times.

[Donna]

I always enjoy your writings. I can relate to this one. My Mother is in a wheelchair, and the paint is off the doorways, and the floor gets messed up. She gets very frustrated about it, but I remind her, it's not a big deal. Thanks for sharing!

[Richard M]

Hi Donna, My apologies, as I hadn't seen your comments. Thank you for reading. Yes, disability is so hard (physically andemotionally) in many ways, but I often think, somehow a strength.
In an understanding, thinking of you and your mum, wishing you a peace
Take care my friend.
Richard (((HUGS)))

[Donna]

You are so sweet Richard! Thank you!

[Lisasview]

Hi Richard,
Second read of your words today as we travel around Galicia, Spain.
I must say that your words, in this poem are quite impactful ... I can see the house, the marks made..the wheelchair...your life..
And, I want to say bravo for you writing it all down.
Did not feel like a poem but rather a short story about your life... which I was happy to be a part of, even if for only a very few minutes.
If you are so inclined you might enjoy some of my poems as well...perhaps Miles Apart, or Canvas of Dreams..or???
Lisa, on holiday in Galicia, Spain

[Richard M]

Hi Lisa
Thank you for reading my poetry and for your comments here. The Journey was written as a quick sketch on a day when things weren't as easy as others. I so appreciate your comments and visiting my life. I sincerely thank you for your understanding 😃
Take care and safe travels my friend.
Richard

[Lisasview]

You are must welcome Richard... We all must be happy with what life has given us...and it appears you are..
Lisa