The Differently Abled Poem by Ajit Das

Like all of you I, too, came into the world
from the womb of my mother,
but with a difference - I was deformed.
I didn't know what it meant to me.

As I grew into consciousness,
I realized I was not normal, needing
a crutch, extra care that bordered on pity.
A complex feeling swelled within me:
I was inferior, and it choked my voice.

But I wanted to be heard, treated as an equal,
not someone lesser than others, dismissed
as a disabled from the avenues of life.
I started believing in my ability, working hard,
proving multiple times my contributing part.

Steadily, I have clambered up the stiff climb,
gouging steps with my iron axe of resolve,
standing on the cliff, still showing what I look like.