Missing Lessons

No point hanging onto past –
education is not preparation
when illness decides to drop in

neither Algebra, nor Social Science
offers clues for solving the equation:
Life minus ability equals:  what?

Curriculum based on harsh realities
would instruct how to tie up loose ends,
gather what’s important, remain calm

while filling prescriptions and countless
paperwork; and how to fight for validation
when funding is fraud adverse and society

would as soon forget than support; and
how to continue to battle when good times
are confined to snapshots:  other people’s

hopeful beginnings and celebrations; and
how to push on when in the lotto of life
disability is the winning card – no certainty

of aging, vacation days no longer apply;
and how does one grieve appropriately
when no one wants to hear, project fear

and misunderstanding; cannot fathom
the depth of the daily battle – need a
curriculum of their own in compassion.

(Image: www.everydayfamily.com)