Trisomy 21

[BienvenuJDC]

from early on you had a "fault"
what are the chances here
that this l'il egg be conceived
don't abort this one dear

she has a gap between her toes
bigger than the rest of them
the crease across her hand is straight
but I think that she's a gem

the extra skin upon her neck
is for the extra hugs she'll get
cuz her heart is full of love
she'll share it all, I bet

she might be slower than the rest
she may not get your jokes at all
but be sure that I will be listening
to the beckon of your cruel call

retarded does not mean stupid now
it means that she is might be slow
if you had a half of a brain in there
your vocabulary could maybe grow

she may be able to figure out
if not at the same speed
but solve the problem on the board
or understand the need

she'll understand the needed hug
that so many are without
when you are cruel to her then
she'll love you anyway, no doubt...

[Delta40]

I feel as if your protectiveness is strong but her ability to love cruel people nevertheless is the tragedy here.

[Maryd.]

Wow Bien... Applauds you from Australia. Well done sir.

[BienvenuJDC]

I feel as if your protectiveness is strong but her ability to love cruel people nevertheless is the tragedy here.

What do you mean?

[Delta40]

I don't know the circumstances here and I'm going purely by impression. That there is someone you love who is disabled and you feel protective towards and are aware of the cruelty of others in a way she is not.

[PrinceMyshkin]

Although I had to Google "Trisomy," I'm glad I did - and applaud the compassion throughout this poem, as well as the naturalness of the end-rhymes.

[BienvenuJDC]

I don't know the circumstances here and I'm going purely by impression. That there is someone you love who is disabled and you feel protective towards and are aware of the cruelty of others in a way she is not.

She is merely four years old, but the inconsiderate use of the terms 'retard', 'retarded', among other references do not pass my ears without consideration and heartache. Although I hope that most will give love and respect, there will be some who will choose to be cruel. Nonetheless, I imagine (and hope) that she will be able to return the gestures with love.

[Delta40]

thank you for telling me and I have a greater appreciation for your poem

[Janine]

Bien, I am touched by your poem. I realise it is truly personal and I understand entirely. Lovely poem and so meaningful; you are so correct. So sad others do not see it this way. If we could all turn flaws into advantages it would be miraculous.