"Be thankful
For the ADA,"
They say.
But how can
I be?

When there
Was no discernible
Before or after
For me?

It was not like
Suddenly
Things were better.
They weren't
For me.

But if I say this
I am labeled
As bitter
Angry
And ungrateful

Even though
Those who
Exist
Outside marginalized
Groups are never
Pressured

To feel
Grateful
For having
Their basic
Needs
Granted.

Even though
That feeling
Of gratefulness
Invades
And pervades
Me

Making
Me feel
Small
And
Unworthy

And insignificant
And dehumanized
And like dirt
And I am done

Being grateful
For the damn
Basics--

Especially
When we
Are so often
(And still)
Denied them.