SPINA BIFIDA

SPINA BIFIDA - is sometimes called a neural tube defect. This means a person is born with something wrong with their spine. Spina bifida makes walking difficult.

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I have written a poem, which I would like to dedicate to disabled children everywhere.
This poem makes a special plea, for more compassion, and a more humanitarian approach
to disability and the care of such persons.
There are many ways, the quality of life of such children can be improved.
Everyone has the right to love and to be treated with dignity. All life is precious.

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FOR RANGI (a young woman incarcerated in a State Institution for life.

Someone loved you once - they called you Rangi.
Today you sit - with knees drawn up.
Your beautiful curly head rests bowed there.
Your face you hide in shame.
Your deepest sadness, lies unspoken.

Were your family told "Just leave her there,
She will be safe,well cared for
The experts will know what to do".
But today you sit in shame,
Your lower body bare.

A young woman now
Your moontide flows
In bright red rivers,
All down your lovely golden legs,
While men at work on ladders
Cast furtive glances.

Oh Rangi!
I still have tears for you.
I will hold you in my heart always,
And with all my love.
Someone loved you once,
For they named you Rangi.

Robina.

Rangi was born visually impaired, and had an untreated cleft palate. She was placed there when she was very young. She is Maori. Her name means sky.