✈️💙Free Verse (65)💙✈️ – Disabled & Vulnerable💙✈️

Written by Carolyn Crossley VixenOfVerse

#freeverse #poetry #disability #PIP #winterfuelpayment

I am disabled
with mobility problems,
due to osteoarthritis.
I am disabled
because of constant pain
and chronic fatigue.
I am disabled,
I suffer from sleep apnea.
I have diabetes type two
Which I control by diet.
I am disabled
because I am deaf,
I need my hearing aids.
I have high blood pressure
and high cholesterol due
to my family history of
heart disease - controlled 
with medication.

This means I need my
disability benefits to
pay for taxis to get to
appointments. I use
the bus or tram to get
home with a free pass.

This means I need to
buy suitable food for
my diabetic diet, which
can be expensive.

This means I pace my
life between going out
and resting days so I
can cope with my chronic
pain and extreme fatigue.

I need to maintain
my hearing aids, this
costs extra money.

I need to live in a 
warm home in winter
for the pain, my
osteoarthritis causes.
I need my winter fuel
allowance to do this.

I need constant electricity
at night for my breathing
machine for my sleep apnea.

I am disabled
but when I was younger
and able-bodied I served
my country as a member
of the British Army on the
front line in the conflict
in Northern Ireland. This
makes me a veteran of
4 years and 2 months of service.

I am disabled
I am a veteran
I need my disability benefits
And likewise, winter fuel payment.

I have worked for 43 years
And paid into the system
for all those years.
I should not have to beg
for these benefits, they 
should be mine by right.

I do live independently 
with help and assistance.
I write a daily WordPress
Poetry and Wellness Blog
on-line, I adore my 2 cats
who do a lot to maintain
my good mental health.

Please allow me as dignified 
an old age as I can enjoy
with my disability benefits!

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