Polio

Polio


I was a baby,
a happy, lively baby
stricken
with polio.
Taken from home
to die.

I was denied love
from family, friends and relatives.
A prisoner in hospital.
Family ties ruled inefficient
for the doctors, a hindrance
for the doomed.

Paul, in his wheelchair
provided my transportation.
I met other boys the same as me,
fought each day for life.
An empty bed usually meant a death.
While many died, some lived on
scarred forever.

We formed a bond,
conspired against the nuns in white.
Hid our peas behind iron radiators.
Hearing footsteps, we would whisper,
"Sisters coming!"

Released from hospital
I thought I had found freedom
but, I was treated like a leper.
Parents, thinking I was contagious.
didn't allow me access
to my friends.

My withered leg,
built-up shoe, walking with a limp ~
visible scars.
Abandonment --
an invisible scar.

I've lived in fear
of being abandoned ever since.
Afraid to trust,
afraid to love,
hidden in a self imposed cocoon.

It's taken time.
I've fought for over sixty years.
Ignoring scars,
I've now found love
and I can give love in return.
I'm free at last!

Note: Polio was one of the most dreaded childhood diseases of the 20th century. By 1910, much of the world experienced a dramatic increase in polio cases and frequent epidemics became regular events, primarily in cities during the summer months which left thousands of children and adults paralyzed. The first polio vaccine was developed in 1952 by Jonas Salk and announced to the world on April 12, 1955 - Source: Wikipedia.