Pretty Petty’s Poem for the Disabled
Hello Pretty Pets, how are you doing?
Let me introduced myself: I’m Amanda D. Petty, but if it’s easy for you, you can call me A. This is a very special issue or version that I’m doing. I’m disabled or handicapped too. I have Spastic Cerebral Palsy. I didn’t get it from birth or develope it from childhood. I drowned at a 22-month-old baby. I had 12 or more surgeries because of my SCP. If you want to know more about me, I wrote a very powerful paper about “Being Handicapped”. Just click on this link: http://beinghandicappedessay.blogspot.com.
In 2001, I discovered poetry by an accident. In 2012, I thought of creating an online business: “Pretty Petty Poetry”. This version is a part of my business. I do extra 5 newsletters. But, this one is so dear because I can be myself. If you want my other newsletters, let me know at: prettypetty2010@gmail.com, and I’ll put you on my poetry list.
The first poem is about making a non-handicapped think twice about the way he or she treats a disabled person. I’ve been there many, many times when I feel hurt or left out. Enjoy.
Make You Think Twice
By-Amanda D. Petty
Give me a beat to dance to.
Give me a chance to prove.
Forget everything that you’ve heard about disabled people because I’m going to make you think twice about the word ‘handicapped’. In the dictionary, it says, “having a physical or mental disability that substantially limits activity”, and that’s true. Some people may feel pity for me and I know why. Others just don’t know how to talk to me and they laugh. But, does the dictionary say how big their hearts are?
One chance is all I need.
One dance to show you how I move.
Yes, I’m disabled and live in a power wheelchair; I do have Cerebral Palsy. I drool, my speech isn’t that good, I use a computer to help me communicate. Sometimes, I don’t understand stuff but I ask. I’ve got a big heart of gold, a beautiful soul, an incredible mind, and an okay body. But, people just see my disability and I hate that. Yes, I may talk slow, and you may not understand me at first; but talk to me. You’ll be very surprised.
Give me a chance.
Give me a dance.
I may be handicapped and all; but that word is a word to me. I’ve got big dreams; some people think that I’m nuts, and I don’t care. It may take me a lifetime to reach my goals. I know how it feels to be left out. People don’t get us and I wish they did so much. Sadly, they won’t and it’s hard to tell them how you feel. Just for once, I wish they could feel the everyday challenge that we have.
Give me a beat to dance to.
Give me a chance to prove myself.
An Uplifting Note: I truly want to thank you for reading this. I’m promising I do know how you truly feel. It will get better, don’t give up. I know some days are bad: physical or emotional or both. On those days, you want to die. I know that firsthand; what help me the most are my families, my friends, and God. I hope this issue will help you. Just don’t give up. Heavenly Father knows your pains; maybe that’s why I’m here, giving you strength for a new hour. I have a song for you; it gave me strength and hope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKaonWdYghw. My friend, I really do know how you feel.