Here I am

A man, age 33

No longer a victim 

Of my perceived self fulfilling prophecy

A label bestowed upon me

By my friends and family

Based on distorted preconceptions and misinformation

So, here I am

A man transformed

Breaking down social barriers and taking the world by storm

Redefining this thing called the norm

Cause you see

Most of my life I was called fat and lazy

A stigma developed from listening to my friends and family

While playing the part of a fool 

Just to get through school

Before being diagnosed with ADHD

Inattentive type B

I struggled academically

All the way through university

I consider myself fortunate you see

Getting through four years of high school was the biggest stumbling block for me

You see,

I took grade ten English twice

Grade ten math thrice

And listened to the wrong peoples advice

Try harder son

Don’t you care about your future?

Your legacy 

In this place

Don’t just stand there and take up space

Here I am

A man

At the age of 33

Recently diagnosed with ADHD

Inattentive type B

Trying to pave my road through society

Crushing social barriers

By challenging bureaucratic policy

Written for you, not me

Because of my disability

Taken advantage of by the minority who somehow lead the majority?

I became a victim of my own self-fulfilling prophecy

Lowered expectations is what became of me for a while

Which I readily accepted as most people do

I became a lemming for the societal elite 

Completing menial tasks just to make ends meet

But, self-loathing aint for me

Even when prospects seem bleak

I remain optimistic 

With my reflective perspective

I am reminded of all the small battles I’ve won

And I am far from done

For kids like me who struggle through life with ADHD

Who were told by people in society

Those who preach about acceptance and equality

Yet continue to dis our ability to function and contribute

To our diverse society

I was diagnosed with ADHD

Inattentive type B

Sleep walking through by days

I see clearly now

No more haze

You see,

I’m trying to pave my road through society

Crushing social barriers and bureaucratic policy

And I know my folks are proud even though

I have never heard them say the word aloud.

I continue on struggling trying to find my place in society constantly wondering why me?

Contact Shawn

Email: shawn@ddmacs.ca

Website: www.ddmacs.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ddmacs.ca

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dontdismyabilit

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DdmacsCa         

Instagram: dont_dis_my_ability_

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-smith