You Think You Know

If you think you know
The reality
Of the life
Of the fear
We live with

I beg to differ.

Because if you knew
If you really knew
Deep down in your bones
And your soul
And you felt
What it was like
To be us

You would know.

It does so much more
Than irritate us
When life-threatening ableism
Encroaches on us.

You would know.

You would know that we are more
Than interchangeable
Inspiration porn stars
Played like pawns
Like objects
To elevate you.

You would know
We deserve to live
Because we are human
Not because
We have somehow proven
We want it enough.

You, sir,
Never had to prove
A damn thing that heavy,
That grave,
To your parents
As a baby.

It's all gravy for you.
And the truth is
You don't know anything.

You know nothing at all.

You have the privilege
To pity the person who pondered
If your child
(With CP!  Just like us!  Just like me!)
Would be better off dead.

You can say,
"I thought that way, too,"
And have the
Privilege
Of being ignorant
To the fear you are striking
In the hearts of those
Just like your daughter.

Yes, the world is
Better off because we're in it,
But not because loving us makes you
A better human being somehow.
The world is better
Because it needs us -
All kinds of people -
To make it what it is.

Society needs us
Because someone needs to speak up
Against frightening people
Pitching horrifying realities.
Society needs us
To create safe spaces
Where kids like us
Feel welcome to
Exist.

We are here
Even if we are not welcome.
We are here
Even though we are not wanted.
We are here.

Get used to us.
Get used to this.

We are here.

We are here.

We are here.