Just Like You

I tried to step into the shoes of someone with a disability. I would like to think attitudes have changed in the decades since I wrote this. And they have.

I am not made of glass
Though you think you see right through me
As you pass.
Blindly.
Empty.
Afraid that I might see through you.

I am not made of stone
Though you think you're far above me
I have flown.
Fearless.
Free.
In the same skies as you.

I am made of flesh, blood and drool.
Love and tears
The same as you.
I am made of challenges
And have been a fool...just like you.

I am not made of wood
Though you think you carve and shape me
To your good.
Manipulating.
Bending.
Putting me somewhere far from you.

I am not made of plastic
Though you think my world is shallow
And I am sick.
Condescending.
Hiding.
Running from what's in me and just like you.

I am made of hair, bones and stool.
Hopes and fears
The same as you.
I am made of lessons learned
From life's school...just like you.

I am not made of metal
Though you think your machines I need
To be able.
Dependent.
Conformed.
To be me in the image of you.

I am not made of bricks
Though you think you can stack me
Like human sticks.
Segregated.
Petted.
Nothing but a special interest to you.

I am made of sense, thought and tool.
Pain and years
The same as you.
And I am made of energy...just like you!

1991

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Just Like You
William Michael Reeves,
I worked as a nursing assistant in my younger days and I remember the souls which I had the privilege of meeting in that job. We all have a heart, a soul and make contact with a hug, a smile and conversation. Your poem truly points out the truth of who people are inside. I am glad to of read this gem.
blessings,
Kathy

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you Kathy, especially for going back in time to find some of my older poetry. I've written a lot about disability but I think this was my first. Glad to hear you know the inspiration that can be found being a caregiver. We are all alike ... just like us!

[lightsong]

This is so wonderful Bill, and yes have the quality of a song, I found my self repeating the last verse twice, I felt it should be like that exactly as songs do lol. anyone who have a lack somewhere, should have some extra in another, your first verse says that. they might be disable, but when it comes to the senses, they might have extra sensitive ones that gives them the ability to read others well.

[William Michael Reeves]

Every time I recited it there was this natural 3 beat that came through. Dat da da. I am not. Made of glass. Then emphasis words to rest and crescend on. I like the 2 verse 1 chorus structure as well. Thanks Goonie

[lightsong]

Wow! I am now Goonie!!! I LOVE IT ❤️

[Einstein Noodle]

universal and relatable .. can be applied to anyone no matter .. tho you had the "disabled" in mind .. we walk by, don't see, dismiss and manipulate one another .. so sad .. and, depending on the disability, can be terribly cruel and tragic ... "All we need is love" right?! your poem gives voice and dignity to people all over the world who think they are separate ..
E.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

A very powerful message in this poem of yours William. Every person I have ever met with a disability never let it define them. It was just something seen as a part of them, and not all of them. This poem places a sharper perspective on just that. Just as color should never be seen as a defining quality of a human being so too should disabilities. We are all bone, blood, and flesh. Thank you for sharing your poem with us.