Voices That Shine

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This poem/song is to raise awareness and make a difference for people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. Help me join in and spread kindness and acceptance everywhere.

From the time she was born,

She wasn’t given a chance.

She was shunned, not even a caring glance.

They called her an idiot, freak and retard.

She didn’t show it, but inside she was torn apart.

****

She learned to walk much later.

Kids in her class would say, "I hate her."

They didn’t look at her.

It was more like a stare.

They said all kinds of mean things

And didn’t even care.

****

She asked her Mom why they do these things.

Mom, they also make up mean lyrics and sing.

In the hallway and on the playground,

Not caring if anyone can hear them, or is around.

****

You were born different she said.

So her Mom decided to lock her away

And she waited for a bed.

Perhaps she wished she was never born,

Or maybe even dead.

****

All because her intellectual and physical ability

Wasn’t equivalent to others,

Let’s hide her away they thought,

Even her mother.

She wasn’t the only one.

There were many others.

People we didn’t know,

Cousins and brothers.

****

If you think that’s bad,

It was even worse.

Back in history, people like her

Were thought to be cursed.

Possessed by evil spirits,

They wore amulets to expel them out.

They didn’t see good caring people,

Are what they are all about.

****

They were locked in idiot cages.

For town’s people to see.

Having no key to escape and be free.

They ended up on the ship of fools.

They were treated so cruel.

Dropped off at a port and left on their own.

They were confused, scared and all alone.

****

We’re standing up for every last one.

This glorious journey has only just begun.

Let’s stand together and unite.

All differences aside, kind words are our fight.

****

We are changing the way it is through our voice.

We can do this. Let’s make the choice.

We are the voices that shine.

We are all part of one mankind.

****

From there they were herded together

In overcrowded rooms.

Hoping someone would rescue them soon.

With meds given between morning and night,

The sun beaming through the vertical bars

Was their only light.

****

They may have lost their choices,

But not their will.

Hand in hand, they will overcome.

They aren’t going to take it sitting still.

****

They moved into the employment field,

Day program and group home.

They were encouraged to make choices

And do things on their own.

Not all had to live this way.

Some have families to love them,

And be with them every day.

****

They have hearts and they do feel.

Their hopes and dreams are real.

They are special and unique,

Just like you.

****

They have so many talents.

They are able to do.

Some people are unable to do things for themselves,

Like walk or speak.

But they comprehend, have a kind heart,

And are stronger than you think.

****

They are not people with disabilities.

They are people with abilities you see.

They are the same as you and me.

So why do we attach the prefix dis

To the word ability when we refer to them?

It’s not the way it has to be,

But always has been.

****

Nobody has the ability to do it all.

So why do we call them different

And build a wall?

The wall is built brick by brick,

All at once, or over time.

From discriminatory thoughts

Created in our own mind.

Us over here, them on that side.

Break down the barrier and help.

Let’s say we tried.

****

We’re standing up for every last one.

This glorious journey has only just begun.

Let’s stand together and unite.

All differences aside, kind words are our fight.

****

We are changing the way it is through our voice.

We can do this. Let’s make the choice.

We are the voices that shine.

We are all part of one mankind.

****

We have come a long way.

Let’s keep moving on,

Making it better for them, each and every day.

Right now is a brand new start.

Do what you can and listen with your heart.

****

Compassion and caring is what they long for.

All across the world, let’s open a new door.

Take my hand and let’s walk through.

To a new future for them,

Better than they ever knew.

****

Let’s leave all the discrimination behind.

Acceptance is something they need to find.

Let’s join together and make them hear.

Words can wound, but they can also heal.

****

Let’s bury history in the past.

Let’s make their legacy last.

Take the torch

And pass it through the population.

And listen to the voices that shine

Echo through the nation.

Voices%20That%20Shine%20Photo.JPG

Thanks to Mei Mei who helped me with my photo. I told her I wanted a hole in the wall. She sent it to me with a heart shape. I love her idea.

Submitted: February 05, 2014

Poetry hope life inspirational change disabilities human

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Comments

Poopisgood

Beautiful writing...omg..it's great.

Wed, February 5th, 2014 7:03am

Author
Reply

Thank you so much for coming by to read and comment Poopisgood. I'm glad you like it.

Thu, February 6th, 2014 10:27am

browneyedsoul511

They are not people with disabilities, they are people with abilities you see" has got to be the best line I've read this week; truly genius. I'm a big fan of Country Music because of the story-telling characteristics the lyrics have. With that I'm saying that this pretty much reminded me of my favorite Country Songs because it's so detailed and real. It's a sensitive topic and you managed to portray it so well. It was beautifully written, inspiring -I think that's the trademark in your poems, they are all kind of inspiring- and touching. Great job!

Wed, February 5th, 2014 2:22pm

Author
Reply

Thank you Reuben! I appreciate your time to read and write such a lovely comment. I am grateful.

Thu, February 6th, 2014 10:29am

Hellomimi12

This almost made me cry..omg..I love your ideas, they're amazing! I'd love to see more of this masterpiece! :D

Wed, February 5th, 2014 3:10pm

Author
Reply

Thank you so much Mimi! I appreciate it.

Thu, February 6th, 2014 10:30am

city-lights

I found this to be very emotional! It was so sad at the start how you went through saying how even the 'mother' treated her that way because of her disabilities. Your own mother do that? That was absolutely horrible. However, towards the end it got better and it seemed as if there was a lot more hope for people like that. This was beautiful and such an inspirational and precious poem. Very well done, Lisa! :) XO - Ikky.

Wed, February 5th, 2014 10:08pm

Author
Reply

Hi Ikky, No, my mother did not to that to me. I appreciate you reading and placing your lovely feedback. Thank you for your time. It means a lot to me.

Thu, February 6th, 2014 10:35am

Cesare777

It's awesome the testimony that you present. Beautiful post and thanks to him, we have another view of things and people. Congratulations.

Thu, February 6th, 2014 2:45pm

Author
Reply

I am thankful for your time to read and write such a kind review. I appreciate it Cesare777!

Thu, February 6th, 2014 10:32am

KW156766

wow this is BEAUTIFUL! Very emotional Well done, keep up the AMAZING work

Thu, February 6th, 2014 7:36pm

Author
Reply

Thank you so much for coming by. I appreciate it KW156766.

Thu, February 6th, 2014 9:05pm

Emmett Cohl

This was a beautiful way to raise awareness. The world is truly blessed to have you, Lisa, I thank you :)

Mon, February 10th, 2014 11:39pm

Author
Reply

Thank you Emily! I appreciate your time and appreciation.

Mon, February 10th, 2014 5:16pm

Amberly Sue

This is really wonderful. I think it is important that we raise awareness for this issue. There are so many beautiful souls that are overlooked. Beautiful Lisa!

Tue, February 11th, 2014 10:11am

Author
Reply

Thank you Amberly Sue for reading and your appreciation.

Tue, February 11th, 2014 6:21pm

smjones

This was amazing what a wonderful poem

Tue, February 11th, 2014 5:26pm

Author
Reply

Hi smjones, I appreciate your time to read and comment. Thank you for stopping by.

Nice to meet you.

Tue, February 11th, 2014 6:22pm

Ava Rosien

I share your sentiments entirely Lisa! I learned so much more from the people I was hired to teach than I could ever have imagined.

I think some progress has been made and the institutions are no longer a place to warehouse the disabled.But there is much more awareness needed in the general public, and in the school systems.

Your beautiful poem will perhaps reach many out there who fear those different in looks and abilities.

I applaud you and compassionate heart!

Fri, February 14th, 2014 5:47am

Author
Reply

I agree with you Ava. I thank you for what you have done for the population and your continued support and encouragement. I am grateful.

Fri, February 14th, 2014 8:13am

angellynn

I love how you take a disability and turn it into an inspiring ray of hope. I could use a friend like you Lisa. Your poetry is so inspiring, and your work is the work of God. Beautifully sad and wonderfully penned. You have a compassionate heart which makes you thus far, my favorite writer on booksie. Just love your poetry.

Angellynn

Fri, February 14th, 2014 1:15pm

Author
Reply

Wow, thank you so much for such a kind comment. You made my day angellynn!

Fri, February 14th, 2014 8:06am

lizzie1124

Great job! Loving it!

Sun, February 16th, 2014 3:16pm

Author
Reply

Thank you lizzie. I appreciate you stopping by. Thank you.

Sun, February 16th, 2014 7:48am

AndreaPykett

Wow, I could really connect with what you were writing. I have type 1 diabetes and if I tell a stranger that, they automatically assume that it's my fault. I know that the people you were writing about in the poem weren't really people like me, but I can totally understand. This is an amazing poem with a great message in it. I totally agree with the last two lines: "Let's burn history in the past. Let's make their legacy last." They just sum up the whole poem perfectly. Great job! :D xxx

Sun, February 16th, 2014 10:25pm

Author
Reply

Hi Andrea, sorry you have to deal with that. I hope your health is good and under control. Thank you for taking time to come by and read and place your valuable comment. It was a pleasure to meet you.

Sun, February 16th, 2014 11:01pm