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Dignity of Risk

(A poem by Patrick Saunders, a non-speaking Autistic who communicates with a letterboard and has ADHD, Apraxia and Disability Coordination Disorder)


Dignity of risk


Let me ride a bike

Let me walk up a mountain

Let me swim in the ocean

Let me catch a plane

Let me cross the road

Trust that I can


Dignity of risk


Coach me

Teach me

Guide me

I can do it

Believe in me

Presume that I will succeed


Dignity of risk


Assume that I will not fail

Take risks

Risks where I might get hurt

Risks that are well thought out, so I don't

You can change a life

My life

Dignity, my dignity


Dignity of risk


Challenge my mind

Challenge my body

Challenge yourself

Your opinions

Your preconceptions of me

Challenge me


Dignity of risk


Ask me

Offer me choices

Always involve me in decision making

Tell your family

Tell your friends

Tell the world


Dignity of risk


Dignity of risk starts with you

But it ends with me.




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1 Comment


That is so good, Patrick. I couldn't have written it. You have a gift for short, meaningful statements which, I guess, is poetry.

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