After the accident my compensation enabled me

To purchase a specially adapted sea facing apartment

From the terrace I watch as people pass

Some smile some stop to chat

Hello Cora how are you

Well I trust

The weather has been so nice

I am so jealous of you

I smile but rarely answer

She has been through a lot poor girl

They say in whispers as then walk away

Let us put things straight

Yes I live in a perfectly situated beachside apartment

Which has extensive sea views

But I cannot swim or enjoy the feel of the sand

As I have no legs that is why I live here

My legs were so badly damaged in the accident

That they were amputated to save my life

I once had nice legs which I liked

Especially on hot summer days

But now they do not exist below my knees

I am in constant need of assistance

And can only enjoy the beach and the sea

If I am carried or wheeled there

Both of which are not really practical

So why does everybody say that I look well

Maybe I do look tanned and healthy

But I am not whole far from it

Just for moment I would like people

To be honest and recognise my dreadful disability

I wish that people would stop being so nice

Just ignore me and get on with your day

I am content with the dream swimmers

Who as they move towards

The point at high tide

Wave absently in my direction

Wave to me

That is all I ask

This makes me happy

Strangers passing silently

Without stopping to speak

Swimming Towards America

Cora Reynolds (2025)