BEAUTY BUZZ
Editor’s Note:
Don’t you just love it when things seem to magically work out? I sure do. Last week I put out a message to our Bold Blind Beauty Facebook group asking them what type of content they’d like to see. One respondent said they’d like “to hear about more blind or disabled artists, musicians, writers, poets, etc.” So imagine my surprise when I happened upon this beautiful poem that talks about misconceptions and challenges us to be more empathetic? I’m seldom on Facebook which makes finding this gem all the more special. Thank you Suzanne for allowing Bold Blind Beauty to share your words. This one spoke to my heart and I hope many, many others will feel the same way. Enjoy! ~Steph
Just See Me
What do you see, hey what do you see?
What are you thinking when you’re looking at me?
A funny young woman who tries and tries.
Unsure of the dark, has a torch for eyes.
Who uses her cane from A to B,
And you say to her “It’s over there can’t you see?”
Who seems not to notice you right by her side,
Her peripheral vision has gone, her dog is her guide.
But how can she read that book on her lap?
She’s wearing dark glasses and is with a blind chap.
Her glasses are dark to help with the glare,
So please don’t think you need to stare.
But she seems to stare, as she tries to focus.
And she’s using her phone? What hocus pocus!
And as for texting her friend from Dover,
Did you know that she uses voice-over?
Go to your phone settings, click accessibility,
You’ll then see the aids she can use easily.
Is that what you’re thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, you’re not looking at me.
I’m a kind loving person, who has learnt to adapt.
When in the past has felt so trapped.
Who can watch TV with audio description.
Her favourite comedy, laughter needs no prescription.
Who can do anything her heart desires.
She just does it differently, but she never tires.
She can no longer drive on a conventional road.
But don’t let that stop her, she’ll find a mode.
A blind driving place, see her little heart soar.
And watch her drive off in a 4×4!
So just stop and think, when you see her next time.
And wonder what obstacles she’s successfully climbed.
She’s stumbled and fallen, but got up and stayed.
When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.
So open your eyes hey, open and see.
Not a funny young woman, look closer just see me.
Suzanne Clarke, August 29th 2020
Connecting With Suzanne:
- Website: Midnight Eyes Of Vision
- Facebook: @SuzanneClarke
- Twitter: @SuzC777
- Instagram: @Suz_Clarke1
Image Description:
An outstretched hand against a black background.