I'm growing up
And people think I will never go away
That I will always live with you
Be washed and fed by you - even at the age of twenty
The perfect offspring who never leaves the nest.
You teach me to be independent
A strong individual
To have my own opinions
To earn my own living
Neither of us knows
If one day - only one day - I will wash and dress myself
And live independently.

But I haven't been programmed to be anybody's wife
Lover
Or mother
You didn't teach me to serve anybody
To wash or peel potatoes.

People appreciate my intelligence
My wit and sharpness
Creativity and humor
You call me "Mai reCock"
Refusing to inoculate me against rubella.

You ignore my sexuality.

Lizzie (Mamvura) Langshaw
From: Across Borders: Women with Disabilities Working Together.
Driedger, Feika & Batres, Eds., 1996)