Come, I'll stand before you now. Tell me what you see,
if you know how to look at me
through non-judgemental eyes.
To see my struggles without telling me lies.

So look at me from head to toe.
Take it all in, but still you won't know
of the obstacles I face each day with CMT,
or the losses I have grieved that were once a part of me.

Come, look deep into my eyes.
For no amount of make up could ever disguise
the severe fatigue brought on by restless sleep,
or the painful cramping legs that start with aching feet.

Come, and examine my hands.
Do you see the muscle wasting and do you understand
why I drop the things I do and that its a constant fight
to keep this pain at bay by wearing splints at night?

Have you ever seen my writing attempts
or to simply turn a key?
Or to open a door, turn the pages of a book,
or pull a zipper free?

And then there are my feet to see,
this is the best of all.
With everything thats wrong with them
its no wonder that I fall.

I'm not looking for your pity,
I wouldn't take it if I could.
Nor am I seeking your support,
I know with that you are no good.

And I'm not asking for your understanding,
thats just not important to me.
I'm just asking to be seen thats all,
as a person who wants to be.

So when you see me sitting
or early to bed I go.
See that I've done the best I can
and tell me so I'll know.

And don't judge me saying that
I complain and have alot of free time.
These statements only show your ignorance,
they're hurtful and keep you blind

as to what is truely going on with me
and how I persevere.
And when I try to tell you this
I wonder if you hear.

I've learned there is one more disease
far worse than CMT.
Its the one when you choose not to listen
with an inability to see.

Author's note: The intention of my poem was to say some things that others may have difficulity in saying. To speak about the struggles we face in dealing & incorporating CMT into our lives. The pain, anger, frustration & fear we have all felt at some time or another in trying to express ourselves & get our needs met, either by our significant others or our doctors.
Many people look at us everyday, but they do not "see" us. Many people hear us as well, but they do not "listen" to our words. Doctors, husbands, wives & children, no matter what the age, do not always show us understanding or give us support, for whatever their reasons are. But to ask these people & others we come in contact with who play significant roles in our lives to "see" us is not asking for a whole lot. Neither is to not judge or pity us.