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Chair of Wheels



I thought this
chair of wheels
to be my grief,
but it quickly
taught my whining lips
that with each turn
it brought me freedom.

©Susie Clevenger 2013

I broke my right foot a couple of weeks a go. I was working in the garden and got my foot wrapped around the electrical chord to a small fountain. Trying to extricate myself ended up with me breaking a bone. I was alone at the time so I managed to drive myself to the emergency room where I was given the news of the break and sent home on crutches. I couldn't navigate worth a darn with the things and my husband bought me a wheelchair. I was all whiny about the whole event when I realized the very chair I perceived as my handicap gave me independence to navigate my world for the most part without assistance. Thus my whining ceased.

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Comments

  1. Billy Blue EyesOctober 21, 2013 at 12:33 AM

    I managed on crutches when I did mine, no fun though it was painful

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  2. UnknownOctober 21, 2013 at 2:39 AM

    Good for you! I hope you are continuing to get better. Way to write it out and figure it out! :)

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  3. humbirdOctober 21, 2013 at 4:05 AM

    May you heal soon, Susie! Strong spirit! <3

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  4. Steve KingOctober 21, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    I love the photos. Black and white is much neglected these day...Get well soon. When I was on crutches for a brief period, it gave me an insight into the commonplace obstacles that are ever there for people with physical challenges. I hope you're up and about quickly.
    Steve K

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  5. Kerry O'ConnorOctober 21, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    I like the way you have expressed your experience in poetry. The brevity of the lines creates emphasis on the lesson learnt.

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  6. JimOctober 21, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    So nice, such hope. Here is to your speedy recovery, Susie.
    I suffered a broken foot twice (that I know of) in my life. I was 19 the first time. I walked a mile home on it the first time. I could not walk on it the next morning. I had crutches then and a walking cast when the swelling finally went down. The second happened eight years ago for only stretching on my tippy-toes. The first time I was pushed/kicked backwards.
    ..
    p.s. I did not have you or your chair in mind yesterday and this morning when I wrote and edited my poem for today.
    ..

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  7. Kathryn DycheOctober 21, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    It's funny how we can be so resistant to the very things that give us freedom. Sorry to hear about your foot. Hope it heals quickly.

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  8. SusanOctober 21, 2013 at 9:21 AM

    I like this poem. I think I will send it to my mother who refuses to use these kinds of aids.

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  9. cosmos camiOctober 21, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    I like this too. A minimalist way to share a positive experience.

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  10. HelenOctober 21, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    Walkers, crutches, wheel chairs ... oh yes, often a path to independence! Good you are on the mend.

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  11. HerotomostOctober 21, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Great pics...my wife was not good on crutches either, I thought she was going to hurt herself even worse. I am glad you are getting better. Ain't nuttin' gonna hold a good woman down...no sireeee!

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  12. Kay L. DaviesOctober 21, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    I know the feeling, Susie. It took me years to realize that letting an airport employee push me in a wheelchair was a whole lot better than making myself sick staggering painfully from one terminal to another. I didn't want to be seen as an old lady. Oh, duh!
    Hope you're soon out of yours, though.
    K

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  13. LauraOctober 21, 2013 at 1:17 PM

    I completely understand. I still remember the very first time I used my wheelchair in public. I was terrified, embarrassed... and then I learned that it was my friend and gave me tremendous freedom! I don't need it all the time these days, usually just at night or if we are out in a big noisy crowd any time of day... I'm so happy I have it. May you continue to heal a little more each day Susie. (PS, wheelchairs are great for building up your arm strength and if you have a clear path you can really go far and fast on a single push.... its fun!!!)

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  14. revelationsOctober 21, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    human beings have an amazing ability to adapt...

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  15. Sharp Little PencilOctober 21, 2013 at 7:49 PM

    One of my good friends is paraplegic, so he spends his life in a wheelchair. He's been all around the world, rides the subway regularly, and he and his wife have adopted two sets of twins. I call him "Rollin' Man," and I wrote a song to that title. I should post it soon!

    You are so wise to see past the inconvenience and embrace the possibilities. A truly resilient soul, you. Amy

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  16. MargaretOctober 21, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    Ha ha. A husband of a poet just needs to say "Quite bitching. WRITE about it!" And I can only imagine to be able to ponder the difference of permanent vs. temporary...

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  17. AnonymousOctober 21, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    good attitude, Susie, captured clean ~

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  18. JinksyOctober 22, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    Great photos and illuminating attitude. ♥

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