Not For Zebras Like You

It was an honour to read this poem at this year's Zebra day - where the theme was access. This poem that was sadly recognisable to many in the audience, highlights the language, assumptions and systems that tell us "not for you," to those already pushed to the margins. The anger here is very deliberate. It is a call for change.

Too sensitive

'Cack-handed'

Troubled, nervous

Absent

Distracted

Ill

The world is not the right shape for you

No way to explain it

the prognosis 

is hopeless

moodiness

angst-ridden

teen

We prefer the child version of you

Disability 

developing

deformity 

a mystery

It’s lucky you’re a fighter 

You want to be a writer?

The world is not set up for you 

If only 

You’d be more resilient

maybe say boo to a goose

We gave you a chance

a university grant

You failed

a disgrace 

what a waste

The world needs better than you

You are your own worst enemy

Stay away 

You’re a Cutter

A nutter

Attention-seeking fucker

A drain of resources

Others less complex than you

Don’t have a baby

too risky 

too young

and hurt people do hurt people you know

The world needs protecting from you 

Mothers should 

know better

You’re anxious

(bipolar, an addict , disordered)

needs meds - most likely for ever

Work dodger

Benefit scrounger

Others in more need than you

Unqualified

Inexperienced

Beyond help

There is a charity though

to try packing boxes

It’s a place for people like you

Oh. A zebra - you say?

A story for us

No payment

We’ll extract it

It will tick a few boxes

Look good in our bids 

And the hashtags

Be Kind and Safe Spaces

Inclusion does matter you know

But not for zebras like you 

Too…

Complex

Vulnerable 

Impulsive

Unstable

Words might trigger 

You should have tried harder

It’s a shame you’re unable 

Oh..you’re published you say?

it’s just that…you know

We thought you’d be younger

And books by survivors 

who died do sell better 

Let’s be honest

We prefer a world, without you

(c) Sophie Olson