... I hear you laughing outside
my door, gales of derision ---
did you hear the one about??

Think I can't hear.  Legs don't
work, ears must not.  An ill
wind blows tonight.  Inside, a

storm of sadness floods eyes:
you think this is hysterical, this
cane, living with a disability?

While you taunt, I soldier on,
which is more than I can say
for you.  Go ahead:  snicker

into your hands.  If it happens
to you, who will be using you
as the punchline to their funny

jokes?  Who will will dry the
tears you sob into the darkness
of lonely nights?  Something to

think about while you giggle at
my expense --- if it were you:
would you want to hear it?

(c) 2008, Karla Dorman (9/27)