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Thursday, November 8, 2007

Forward

I lean forward in my wheelchair
An abdominal rush
Push!

Maneuvering
As tennis balls fly by
I miss the rim
Again and again

Not moving
Forward

I touch the wheels of my manual chair
In remembrance

Gently releasing myself
I shift into a power chair

I lean toward the joystick and
Push!

2 comments:

Wheelchair Dancer said...

Thank you for writing this. I think it is so important to stress that a powerchair is not an "end" (and yes, that's for manual users, too!) -- you can still have the joys of physical experience, the physical experience of moving.

WCD

Ruth said...

WCD - so true! Today's power chairs provide new dimensions of mobility. Some turn on a dime - and better suspension systems add to improved outdoor use. For younger users, I'm seeing a growth in sports like power soccer and I know a few wheelchair tennis players who play in power chairs - and dancers too.

I personally can't wait to race some of my friends in manual chairs ::evil laugh:::