Following is the poem in celebration of the International Day for the
Disabled. It is aimed at instilling societal awareness of our citizens who are
physically challenged, but mentally strong in an effort to overcome their
circumstance. No matter what....there is a blessing in disguise behind
it.They know that their problem is merely social not physical. For most of them
tend to accept what they cannot change as long as societal attitude, and
misconception are in check. The following poem applies to all physically
challenged people. Please disregard the word "disability" as "ability" is more
pronounced whenever, and wherever opportunities are readily available.
Must Be Understood
The deaf might be
An object of pity or ridicule
But he needs to be understood.
To the seeing eyes
Deafness is invisible.
To the feeling soul
Deafness is like
An impenetrable vault
Of delicate pathos.
No matter…
How one is kind,
One must be deaf to understand
The quiet world
With its distinctive norms
And social ethos.
Not only that…
One must understand the very impact
That deafness imposes
Upon its victims
Which is a relief
To one’s frustration,
A compass
To helping hand,
A check
To utter bias,
A fortitude
To enduring love,
A limit
To high expectation,
A guarantee
To genuine compassion.
Haile Bokure
>From "Up From Handicap: The Poems Of The Deaf World"