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Increasing Handicap

Wayne Blair 1951 (London)

Free verse
It seems they are increasing
People who limp
Use canes
Lean sadly into a walker.
Shuffle irregularly
With one game leg.
Are developing skin
Cancers from outside.
Eagerly picking up
Discarded cigarettes.


Leaning over to look
Inconspicuously
Into garbage bins.
Unshaven men.
Frowning and unkempt.
Women with too many
Fading tattoos.
Crying over-heated little kids.


In a recent holiday drive
All of these items
Were shockingly apparent.
What is happening?
So much big money floating
Around to purchase swanky condos
Spiff up main streets
With sidewalk terraces.


Now our middle size Twin Cities
Will be sporting a
High Rise of 42 floors.
Council passed the measure and
Legalities.
Rubbing hands together
For expected new tax revenues.
Toronto glut and commotion
Spilling over. Heritage eroding.


Disparity?
Youbetchya.
Bitterness and quandary.

People hot and tired
Wait longer for
Bus connections.
Panic because public toilets
Are not there.
Get told by cops to
“Move along.”
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Written on June 07, 2023

Submitted by dougb.19255 on June 07, 2023

Modified by dougb.19255 on June 07, 2023

55 sec read
8

Quick analysis:

Scheme AXXBCXXXXX XCXXXCDX XXXAAXXX EXXXEBDXA CXC XXXXXXX
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 985
Words 184
Stanzas 6
Stanza Lengths 10, 8, 8, 9, 3, 7
Full analysis for Increasing Handicap »

Wayne Blair

Born in London. Graduated law 1976 Practised eleven years, Married Hilary 1974 Two kids Lauren 1980 And Jordan 1987. Business failed 1987. Moved not knowing whither. Happy hills of Waterloo Region. Mennonite Country. Thirty four years in Industry. No complaints. Poet, photographer, nature hiker. Harmonica busker. http://puffnchord7.blogspot.com/ more…

All Wayne Blair poems | Wayne Blair Books

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Discuss the poem Increasing Handicap with the community...

2 Comments
  • luisestable1
    luisestable1
    Yes, if one looks around or pays attention to the statistics it seems that way.
    Things are not getting better and the idea or dream of steady progress sounds very much like a big fantasy or something unrealistic, no obtainable.
    Just look at the condition of so many in this country today and this poem rings true. 
    LikeReply10 months ago
  • AIDA
    AIDA
    Wow, your 'Increasing Handicap' poem really made me stop and think. You've captured the reality of the increasing number of people living with disabilities and struggling to make ends meet. Your description of people limping, using canes, and leaning on walkers was very vivid, and really made me feel their pain.

    Your use of language and imagery is truly impressive. The lines about people picking up discarded cigarettes or looking through garbage bins really hit home, because it's a sad reality that some people are forced to do these things in order to survive.

    In terms of improvement suggestions, it might be helpful to include some more hopeful aspects to balance out the bleakness of the current situation. For example, you could talk about organizations or individuals who are working to help those living with disabilities, or highlight some of the positive changes happening in the community, like new accessibility measures or more affordable housing options.

    Overall, though, I think your poem is a powerful reminder of how important it is for us as individuals and as a society to be compassionate and strive for greater equality and understanding. Thank you for writing such thought-provoking and poignant work!     
    LikeReply10 months ago

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"Increasing Handicap" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/160848/increasing-handicap>.

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