Ode on disability by Carolyn Khor

I have eyes that see

But I see a world of suffering;

I have ears that hear

But all I hear is crying;

I have hands that touch

But I reach not those in pain;

So what use is it then?

That I can smell and taste

When,

If I don’t have eyes

I feel with my heart;

If I don’t have ears

I listen with my heart;

If I don’t have hands

I give with my heart;

Then,

Only then,

I can smell the joys of life

And taste the beauty of living.

Pray tell, who is disabled?

So,
Take my sight
Take my hearing
Take my touch
But leave me be my heart.

by Carolyn Khor

July 2, 2013