i’ve got it
i have the solution
a very small but powerful anesthetic
to knock me out for 5 or 10 minutes
every time I enter the public eye
then
everyone could gather
they can look and stare at my body
they can poke and prod my body
they can whisper about my body
twist their faces
widen their eyes
ask their questions
make their assumptions
compare themselves
express their pities
tell each other how inspired they are
get bored and
move on
then
i can go about my business

alas,
i suppose it’s not perfect
considering
i would be unconscious for a lot of life
ultimately not worth it
but damn would it be less painful

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I am a middle school teacher, mom and a double below the knee amputee. twitter: @aliigirl