Tap, tap, tap that is my heart beat after conception
It goes on until I am brought into this world after nine months
When I am born
My first cries, my first sight, my first breath reaches you
I felt your first tear drop,
I felt your first hug,
I felt your kiss – smother me
When I am born
I have no form of identification,
No name,
No ethnic group
No religion
I do not know wrong
When I am born
My creator taught me to love
To do right
To embrace,
To support,
To encourage and instil hope in the lives of others
When I am born
I am defined as “disabled” but wrong
I am able just like you
I have blood flowing through my veins,
I have feelings
I understand
I am capable of learning
I am capable just like you
When I am born
Mum, dad – do not limit me!
Be there to catch me when I fall
When I feel like giving up help me take those steps forward
With your help I can accomplish – just like you
To my community, be my pillar of strength when I am weak
Be my hope and courage, when I feel lost and alone
When I say “I cannot,” tell me I can
Help me be that special star you know I am
With your acceptance, love and care I too can shine!
I would like to dedicate this poem which I wrote for International Day of Persons with Disabilities (November 3), to all my students at Project Life and their families. You all are a blessing in my life with so much purpose, thank you.

Desiree Moonsamy