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Anthem

by poemsgalore 

Posted: 06 January 2004
Word Count: 190
Summary: Disability is something I relate to as I'm both disabled and work with disabled children. A body that won't work properly doesn't mean the brain doesn't work either. This poem is very important to me personally.


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Anthem

Pretend you don't see,
that's right - look away
as you pass by her wheelchair
every day.
You with your laptop
and mobile phone
so much in a hurry
on your way home.
Just stop and think
as you rush for the train
and remember this -
she has a brain.

At sixteen she read Tolstoy
and Chekov too,
understood every word.
How about you?
At twenty she starred
in an Ibsen play.
Brought the house down -
"Who's Ibsen?" you say,
as you vacantly stare
through the evening rain.
Remember this -
she has a brain.

She belongs to Mensa
and CND
camped out at Greenham
in '83.
She fought for freedom
in her youth;
said "Ain't I a woman?"
like Sojourner Truth.
Take a deep breath,
look back again
and remember this -
she has a brain.

She had seven children,
strong girls and boys
who lived in a house
full of love and noise.
She taught them to care
for their fellow man
and make a difference
wherever they can.
Look into her eyes
so full of pain
and remember this -
she has a brain.






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Comments by other Members



Fearless at 18:44 on 06 January 2004  Report this post
Wow. This is beautiful and defiant. As someone who recently found that his body didn't quite work because his brain went awry for a few months, all I can say is thanks for this

fearless

olebut at 19:58 on 06 January 2004  Report this post
Kathleen

I have often used the image of a person being ignored by those walking past them and pretending not to see but i am not sure I have managed to use it to the same effect that you have here.

I think you may agree that whilst this poem is a little on the 'does he take sugar scneario' it has more poignanacy and the imagery is superb I think you have captured the plight of the disabled so well.

My father was blinded in the war and my uncle would often retort when people asked mu uncle if my dad wanted this that or the other, and some of those asking were our relatives. Win is blind not stupid ask him your bloody self, I always as a child thought this was a great response but whne I used it I recieved a clip round the ear for swearing and being cheeky ( no justice is there) so your poem has more poignancy for me than perhaps it may for others

thank you for sharing it

take care

david

roovacrag at 20:01 on 06 January 2004  Report this post
I relate to this as i worked with people who was disabled and everyday I thanked god my son was perfect in mind and body. I t used to tear my heart out to see so many young people who couldn't do anything for themselves. Relied on others to do it for them. Always liked to think i gave them dignity as they deserved it. Thank you for this it is stunningly beautiful.xxxxxxx Alice

<Added>

Like David thank you for sharing it.x

The Walrus at 15:48 on 07 January 2004  Report this post
I can only endorse the previous comments, a moving, eye-opening and brave piece. I can understand why this is so important to you.

The Walrus

poemsgalore at 18:21 on 07 January 2004  Report this post
Wow, I didn't expect such a brilliant response. Thank you everyone. It's also nice to know that many of you can relate to the plight of the disabled - it might make our lives a little more bearable if we're treated in the same way as 'normal' people who have our own opinions.

Bobo at 18:32 on 07 January 2004  Report this post
Another 'WOW' to add to the list - such a powerful resolute piece. Majestic!

BoBo x

ChrisB at 10:59 on 09 January 2004  Report this post
Yes this hits you right between the eyes like a thundering bolt. Wake up Wake up !!!

I love the rhythm and the intensity with what the poem is expressing and the repetitive last line 'Remember this - she has a brain' at the end of each stanza works very strongly.

A very courageous piece of work!

Well done
Chris


igbit33 at 18:05 on 07 February 2004  Report this post
As someone who has worked with Huntington's sufferers and has also seen how differently my mother was treated before and after being wheelchair bound, I feel you have captured the peculiar attitudes of others and the indignance of the subject so very well. I myself have a few imperfections to be judged by, from mild autism to Dispraxia etc, and I find your poem just as easy to relate to from that angle. It is a straight forward, powerful poem. With a serious point to make - made well, and working on many levels.

I really like your style of writing in general.

H. xx





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