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Poem ‘Rest’

1 min read •   23 May 2025

May (they/them) Posted by

Author
May (they/them)

‘Rest’

Three nights of what they call ‘respite’,

I’ve never been so hurt and tired.

Certainly not rested.

Different worker four times a day,

Barely even ask my name,

Pronouns? No way.

May as well be cattle.

Ferry me from place to place,

Never look me in the face,

Don’t care for what I have to say.

But my voice matters.

I take pen to paper,

I put it all down,

All the moments that made me feel less than.

I write down the actions that made me feel weak,

Hoping above hope that I will be seen.

I imagine a future where folk like me flourish, our voices are heard.

I rely on the power I know is held in words.

I accept an apology,

Change is slow but real.

I can finally feel,

Rested.

 

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May (they/them)

Max (they/them) is a neuroqueer artist, performer and facilitator. Their interests include birds, frogs, critical neurodiversity, The Beatles and many more!

This image celebrates Disability Pride by showing a diverse group of disabled people confidently expressing their identities. The group includes individuals with various disabilities—some using wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, walkers, or accompanied by a guide dog. They are all smiling and holding signs with empowering messages like “Disabled and Proud,” “Chronic & Iconic,” and “Disability Pride.”