Dystonia, My Shadow

Not always kind, but a wise Teacher

Dystonia and I travel together
I�m sure there�s a reason for this
Some strongholds to tear down,
some lessons I have missed.

If I am very quiet and listen
dystonia�s voice will speak to me
If I could unlock the language
the answer could be the key

I go inside and look
It runs and hides from me
I search to find and destroy, but
what is it and what is me?

Occasionally, I feel lighter
like a loosening of the grip
then LIFE arrives with loaded weight
the spasms clench and rip

I think that in my body
locked in some hidden spot
there lies this mysterious answer
Grab quickly or it will be lost.

By: Kathie Stehr



     

Dystonia has always been my wisest teacher.
Strict, unrelenting, painful, and persistent
all of those and many more qualities
needed to be a skilled pupil.

While others search for that perfect face,
that unblemished body.
We learn to live with disfigurement
in the sometimes harsh face of humanity.

When I see others that are disabled,
I feel that bond born of being different.
We are the students that know
the pure power of inner strength.


By:  Kathie Stehr
June 8, 1999