FreeVerse: "I Am Not One of The"
by Jenners • 03/24/2010 • Poetry • 5 Comments
Hosted by Cara at Ooh…Books!This week, I’m sharing a poem Cheryl Marie Wade, who is a playwright, poet, performer, video-maker, and disability rights activist. This poem was one of those that I found in the zine I used to publish. When I came across it again, I was blown away by its vibrancy and power. I think any woman—not just those with disabilities—could relate to the sentiments and feelings ini this poem. Just the references alone are inspiring and powerful and just “wow.”
I Am Not One of The
by Cheryl Marie Wade
I am not one of the physically challenged—
I’m a sock in the eye with gnarled fist
I’m a French kiss with cleft tongue
I’m orthopedic shoes sewn on a last of your fears
I am not one of the differently abled—
I’m an epitaph for a million imperfect babies left untreated
I’m an ikon carved from bones in a mass grave at Tiergarten, Germany
I’m withered legs hidden with a blanket
I am not one of the able disabled—
I’m a black panther with green eyes and scars like a picket fence
I’m pink lace panties teasing a stub of milk white thigh
I’m the Evil Eye
I’m the first cell divided
I’m mud that talks
I’m Eve I’m Kali
I’m The Mountain That Never Moves
I’ve been forever I’ll be here forever
I’m the Gimp
I’m the Cripple
I’m the Crazy Lady
I’m The Woman With Juice
I love a poem that has such a powerfully, distinct, and commanding voice. Awesome!
I have no words.
Wow-there is so much meaning in that poem! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Wow is right! I can absolutely FEEL the power in this poem. I'll definitely have to read it several more times.
That's one thing I've learned about poetry…. rarely does one time through suffice.
Glad you "re-discovered" it and shared it here!
Wow. I'm going to have to read that one a few times to figure it out.
I identified most with Crazy Lady…but I have no juice.