(A poem by Patrick Saunders, a non-speaking Autistic who communicates with a letterboard and has ADHD, Apraxia and Disability Coordination Disorder)
Dignity of risk
Let me ride a bike
Let me walk up a mountain
Let me swim in the ocean
Let me catch a plane
Let me cross the road
Trust that I can
Dignity of risk
Coach me
Teach me
Guide me
I can do it
Believe in me
Presume that I will succeed
Dignity of risk
Assume that I will not fail
Take risks
Risks where I might get hurt
Risks that are well thought out, so I don't
You can change a life
My life
Dignity, my dignity
Dignity of risk
Challenge my mind
Challenge my body
Challenge yourself
Your opinions
Your preconceptions of me
Challenge me
Dignity of risk
Ask me
Offer me choices
Always involve me in decision making
Tell your family
Tell your friends
Tell the world
Dignity of risk
Dignity of risk starts with you
But it ends with me.
That is so good, Patrick. I couldn't have written it. You have a gift for short, meaningful statements which, I guess, is poetry.