I wrote this poem about the challenges I have had in my life. And how, one at a time, I overcame them to become a voice of hope for everyone, regardless of disability—visible or invisible.

Years Passing

When I was five months old
The doctors pronounced
That I would be
Deaf, dumb, and blind.
However, I showed them.
I didn’t go to heaven!

At age three
My mother gave me
Dance lessons
And at age seven,
My braces went to brace heaven.

At thirteen
I was taught to read and write
But with little comprehension or delight

Then, years later, I was empowered
I saw my life’s lessons lighting the sky
I realized I had never learned
While going through school.

However, now,
With all due respect,
And sincere gratitude,
I understand how I
Was passed from class to class
From grade to grade
Being nothing of importance
To the teachers I had

And then that day came
When I knew exactly what I needed
To change
My life’s course

My only problem,
A huge one at that,
Was reasoning with a
Handicap organization
That would not listen to me

But listen, they did
When I took them to court

I fought the good fight
Winning the battle
Of my life
And,
Because of that day,
I am doing exactly
What my heart desires.

You can order my poetry collection, including this poem, here: Reflections of My Heart.

Original text ©2025 by Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved. Image by Bernard Spragg. NZ, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.