Freedom – a poem

Freedom

You’re my freedom
But others don’t see it that way
You’re my freedom
But others think of you as a restriction.

You’re my freedom
But others only see what I now can’t do
You’re my freedom
But others don’t see the benefits.

You’re my freedom:
less cuts and bruises.
You’re my freedom:
less falls.

You’re my freedom:
I can leave my flat.
You’re my freedom:
less broken bones.

You’re my freedom
But others see you as a negative
You’re my freedom
But others think you have destroyed my life.

You’re my freedom
But for others you’re an embarrassment
You’re my freedom
But others want you gone, openly tell me so.

You’re my freedom:
less head injuries.
You’re my freedom:
less pain and danger.

You’re my freedom
My reason for less exhaustion.
You’re my freedom
My reason I don’t get stuck in public and have to crawl.

Yes, I can’t hike up a mountain,
But without you I’d be stuck indoors.
I know you’re not restricting me.
Without you, I’m restricted so much more.

And no, I’ve not given in!
I’ve done the opposite
by accepting
you’re my freedom.

It’s not my fault the world isn’t designed for you.
That ramps and lifts might not be there.
That dropped kerbs are often blocked.
That places are often too narrow.

You’re still my freedom.
The world just hasn’t caught up yet.

You’re my freedom.

You’re my wheelchair.