I wonder

In what I dream
For.
A world set free by names, judgment, and pious.
A place in which we wander
Hand by hand, mouth to mouth, ear to ear.
Leading out as we go.
From which we came.
New suns will rise and set
I know we are better
Yet we choose not to be.
I do have hope
For I am the sun that will
Never stop burning
Even in the sight of their eyes
My imperfect glory will shine
Each day and stay restful at night.

I am a student attempting to make my way through this peculiar switchback from online to traditional classroom settings following the pandemic. I thought it would be wonderful to connect with others who could understand where I’m coming from by joining this zine. In-person school has been difficult. Even though I see some of my friends doing phenomenal things in person, I frequently feel like I’m floating about and not connected to anyone due to isolation and disability. It seems that everyone is expected to act as though nothing has changed, even though that isn’t the case at all. Every day, society seems more distant and hostile towards people who are “different.” Although I still hope for myself to keep accepting my worth. I believe our voices can be heard through creative expression.

I hope my piece exemplifies how we just can’t stop advocating for perseverance in disabled communities. Whether you identify as disabled or not, to be seen, to be given a hand reaching out of isolation, through creative means is a solace I try to create through my art. And sometimes that hand is within us. If only humanity could be so tenderhearted. I am inspired through this art as I believe that at least I can always trust myself now to be tenderhearted towards my experiences. I know through this process of contributing to the zine that I am not alone. This art piece is before me a reminder of my own inner strength and hope for myself and the disabled community.