Hasmita Shah, 2000

No barriers no pity, no embarrassment, just empathy

You stare at me, repulsion mixed with pity

Obviously uncomfortable with my deformity

I’m upset, but smile timidly

You avoid my eyes and look away sharply

Why does it bother you so

I want to ask, I long to know

I’ve accepted myself as I am

Why can’t you accept me for the same

I do not need your pity

I do not need you to pray for me

All I ask is that you treat me with dignity

All I ask is that you show some humanity

I too need love and affection

I too need care and compassion

I too feel pain and agony

But more important, I too feel joy and ecstasy

I wonder what prejudices and disabilities you hide

I’m sure to find some if was to look inside

Isn’t it ironic that someone with perfect sight 

Can be so blind and never see the true light

Or someone with perfect hearing

Is unable to listen to the soul’s calling

All of us are disabled if we focus on our limitations

Let’s instead continue to challenge expectations

Let’s liberate ourselves from the restrictive labels of society

And work together in perfect harmony and equality

We have so much to learn from one another

Let’s not waste this unique opportunity any further

Remember there are no barriers at all

When it comes to communicating with the soul