By Anukriti Ashok
Do you know how it feels?
When your body doesn't work like it's supposed to?
You feel cursed or punished, but you don't have a clue.
When your life takes a 360° turn all of a sudden,
and you metamorphose from a companion to a burden.
Do you know how it feels?
When your capabilities are outweighed by your disability?
And you're considered too fragile for any utility.
When you're unexpectedly showered with fake sympathy,
by those who are aversive towards your close proximity.
Do you know how it feels?
When you're not someone's true desire?
because your broken body doesn't spark their fire.
When you're simply not enough for them,
because you're just a lump of coal, not a gem.
You might have no idea how it feels, but I hope you can certainly try,
to lend me your ear, and not just a sympathetic sigh.
I sincerely request you to keep an open mind and see.
That, beyond the handicapped body, it's the plain old "Me."