Tag Archives: poems

Marked With an “S” 

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From the day that I was born I’ve been marked with an “S”,
it’s stuck to me like a stamp that has permanently stained my skin. 

Spina bifida, scoliosis—the scary diagnoses meant to define me,
but that’s only where my story begins. 

Became a statistic before I could even breathe on my own, 
with a slim chance of survival, yet look how much I’ve since grown. 

Learned to ignore curious stares since I was a child, 
to understand that they were just kids too, and just respond with a smile. 

Sit up with a straight spine, stand tall in my sneakers—some of the things I’ve never done.
Is that, to you, what makes me such a “special” one? 

I’m no superhuman, I don’t see what you do. 
I may wear some stitches and scars, still I don’t need anything from you. 

Despite several surgeries and sicknesses I’ve made it out,
because that’s not what my life is all about. 

Though it may seem, I do not suffer from what I have,
so save your sympathy for someone else, and let me speak on my own behalf.

I’ve got no sensation in my legs, 
but I’m not half of a human, so don’t treat me that way.

Surmounted every stereotype and stunned the world, 
but I am that I am—I’m just a girl.

So call me strong for everything I’ve been through, 
but in your next sentence, make sure to say that I’m a sweet friend, a sports fan, a big sister, and a storyteller too.

~~~
Though I was born with a disability, I’ve never let it affect my entire life or mentality. I’m fortunate to have the best family and friends that treat me as they would any other, therefore I used to think it was silly to take a day to “celebrate” me, because there’s so much more to me than my disability. I always thought, “Why should I be celebrated for simply being me?” I’ve only recently realized that it’s okay to take pride in the things that make us unique from the rest, mine just happens to be my disability. Furthermore, by having a designated day or month for such, I can embrace those within my community and find comfort and familiarity within our shared life experiences. So, Happy World Spina Bifida Day to myself, and to all born just like me!

Mariposa  

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©CHAINFOTO24/Shutterstock.com

Mariposa, drifting through the wind, 
couldn’t wait to grow wings so that your life could begin. 

Found it hard to come out of your shell, 
but that’s a secret you’d never tell.

Mariposa, with the colors of fiery embers, 
went searching for warmth this September. 

All grown-up, with so much to live up to, 
suffered silently, while nobody else knew. 

Mariposa, why do you cry?
withstood wounds, yet still you could fly. 

Though you held on for as long as you could, 
you endured more than anyone should. 

Mariposa, breathe deep and close your eyes. 
You gained a new kind of wings, so in the place you left is where your memory lies.

Once just an adolescent, 
now your spirit shines iridescent.

Mariposa, your metamorphosis was remarkable for all to witness, 
it’s a tragic tale, your story had to end in sickness.

~~~
Much like last month’s post, inspiration for this piece came not from a true personal experience, but simply by learning about the life of monarch butterflies. Did you know that final generation monarch butterflies (born in spring, migrate south in fall) typically have a much longer lifespan (months as opposed to weeks) than the first generation (born late summer/early fall, migrate north in spring)? However, any of the migratory monarchs are likely to face threats to their survival along their journey. Therefore, some of the final-generation monarchs may not live as long as they are expected to, hence the idea behind this piece. I used the Spanish translation of butterfly, “mariposa”, as a nod to Spanish Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th). If you’ve made it to the end of this, thanks for reading!