I wrote this poem this week, but it has been many years in the making, as I’ve watched parents advocate for their children. I wanted to share it on the website I admire most. This poem is dedicated to mothers of special needs children everywhere, with utmost respect and admiration. Happy Mother’s Day!
Rita
The Making of an Activist Parent
by Rita Rispoli, M.A., CET
“He’ll grow out of it,” they claimed.
And she believed.
“Don’t worry,” they told her.
And she hoped.
“You’re helping your child too much,” they warned.
And she stopped.
“He just needs to try harder,” they asserted.
And she cried.
“He doesn’t have a learning problem,” they insisted.
And she listened.
“He needs to repeat the grade,” they demanded.
And she consented.
“He doesn’t need testing,” they said.
And she waited.
“All learning disabilities are identified before sixth grade,” they maintained.
And she doubted.
“My child is falling through the cracks,” she stated.
And they argued.
“I know my child,” she declared.
And they smiled.
“Your child won’t qualify,” they sneered.
And she knew.
“You will acknowledge my child’s needs,” she demanded.
And she prevailed.
That is a great poem! Thanks for sharing..