David is bedridden. He sees himself in the shadows.  His emotions and wisdom emerge when he speaks in creative phrases or paints with one hand.  Creative arts and the challenge to use the imagination bring forth freedom that surpasses the body.  David can be “who he is” in spite of not having the physical capabilities to express the depths of the soul.  So much can be expressed not only with words that come out in poetry, but with color, and brushstrokes, and even the beat of a drum!

Another day, he was feeling down and I asked him to put it into words. The following poem flowed out and I wrote it down.

Bitterness

Once able to do
Now
Miss people
Having somebody
People
Busy people
I think of myself
As important
They don’t understand
Why should they?
Too much on their minds
So I sit here
And I click
Me and my TV remote
Chewing gum for eyes
And there’s the plastic dog
On my windowsill
I see a bush outside
And a garbage dumpster
Leaves drop and blow
They come back
Rejuvenate
I don’t want to click
I want to read