JUST WORDS

I have known the unending feeling of being different
I’ve felt the sadness of not being able to do
Some things, ride a bike, go up stairs...I am lonely
Being the only one in a wheelchair, the only one that
Has to literally look up at everyone all the time.

And I have seen some people in a sort of a
Huddle, talking and snickering about the way I look
and maybe act. The multiplication of emotions: happiness,
Sadness and lack of confidence, are the strongest emotions
For me.
Although pride is the most important.
I have heard the calming words of my mother
And father. They are more helpful than the words of
A person who is paid to help people with their problems, I think
Through long afternoons of crying and wondering “Why?”
I have kept my head high and realized that they are
Just words.

Jack German
16
A Junior

• • •

THE ONE

The One who walks differently.
The One who talks differently.
The One who is blind.
The One who has one hand.
The One who has no voice.
The One who has no hearing.
The One who is visually impaired.
The One who has a learning disability.

They are no different than you are.

So the next time you see a person with a walking
Disability, don’t stare at the walk.
Look at their face and say “hello”.
Instead of saying hello to there walk.

The next time you see a person in a wheelchair,
Don’t stare and wonder why they are in a wheelchair.
Strike up a conversation and get to know the
Person. Then, perhaps, you shall know why.

If you see a person with any kind of disability,
Don’t be so quick to think that you know that
Person, because you don’t.

Stop the judgement and get the talk on.

Then you will know the One.

Kristina L. Myers
16
Junior

• • •

VISION OF A PERFECT WORLD

In a perfect world,
I will be judged not by the function of my muscles,
But by the strength of my heart,
And I will be happy knowing that I can walk among
All persons, black or white, poor or rich, God or no God,
Disability or no disability, who share a common goal
Of love and understanding.

In a perfect world,
Stereotype will be a printing tool used
To share all ideas and experiences,
And everyone will understand because
We will read with clear minds and full hearts.

In a perfect world,
I will walk through a valley
That has no concept of good and evil,
And emerge in a field of
Six billion different religions,
None right, and none wrong.

In a perfect world,
The color of money is transparent,
While individual character remains solid,
And a rainbow will lead to a
Pot full of dreams.

In a perfect world,
I will walk to the top of every mountain,
Where I will fulfill my dream,
The dream of helping every person
Reach the pinnacle of their aspirations,
And when you and I can embrace freely,
Like Twin Towers standing strong,
I will be content to sit in my wheelchair
For I know that we live

In a perfect world.

Jason Gallagher
21
Kansas