Interdependence
Has cultural significance
For disabled folx
Who rely upon it
For survival.

We are told
And shown
And reminded
Time and
Time and
Time
Again

That what we require
This helping each other
Is somehow too much
Because we
Are too much.

But
Guess what?

It's not too much
And neither are we --
Even though
We are told
And ignored
And dismissed
And shut down.

Even though
We are blamed
For what's called
"Internalized ableism"
That always
(Always)
Originates
Outside us
First.

We thrive
And depend on
And believe in
Interdependence
Because
It is the only way
Any of us
Survives.

We love the crap
Out of each other
Because we know
If we don't,
Who will?