Skip to Main Content

I Am Not - A Poem by Sheila Radziewicz

Author: Sheila Radziewicz
Published: 2011/02/26 - Updated: 2016/06/12
Category Topic: Disability Poems, Poetry and Prose - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: I Am Not is a poem written by Sheila Radziewicz that defines her life as a woman with a disability.

Introduction

"I Am Not" is a poem written by Sheila Radziewicz that defines her life as a woman with a disability.

Main Content

I AM NOT

Mangled, frail, delicate infant
Weak, poor, ignorant infant, I was NOT!

You did not have the power
to define my fate with Death

Cripple, feeble-minded, pitiful child
Unable, immobile, lame child, I was NOT!

I defied your prediction, then
I deny your position, now

Undetermined, incapable, paralyzed woman
Lessen, negative, powerless woman, I am NOT!

Fear forced your prediction of my Death
Fear created your insecurity
Fear does NOT rule me

Complete, strong, unbreakable infant
bold, healthy, aware infant, I WAS!

I chose to prove you wrong
The power to live was mine

Whole, intelligent, witty, child
Able, mobile, bright child, I WAS!

I believed in myself
I knew success was coming

Determined, capable, secure woman
Brave, confident, powerful woman, I AM!

I fought against your fear
I fought against your insecurity
I chose LIFE when you would Not!

By Sheila Radziewic (c)

Explore Similar Topics

• Here's to the Children Who Don't Quite Fit by Gary Shulman, MS. Ed.: Here's to the Children Who Don't Quite Fit is a poem written by Gary Shulman, MS. Ed.

• A Very Special Child and Come Touch His Cheek - Poems by Gary Shulman, MS. Ed.: Two poems composed by Gary Shulman, MS. Ed. - Special Needs Consultant and Trainer who began his career working with children with and without disabilities in an inclusive Head Start program in Brooklyn NY.

• A Voice of a Forlorn Blind Woman: A Voice of a Forlorn Blind Woman...October, Please, Leave Me Now and Never Come Back!!! A poem written by Flora Aguasa.

Citing and References

Cite this page - APA | MLA | Chicago | Permalink

APA: Sheila Radziewicz. (2011, February 26 - Last revised: 2016, June 12). I Am Not - A Poem by Sheila Radziewicz. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved November 20, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/communication/poetry/i-am-not.php

MLA: Sheila Radziewicz. "I Am Not - A Poem by Sheila Radziewicz." Disabled World (DW), 26 Feb. 2011, revised 12 Jun. 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2025. <www.disabled-world.com/communication/poetry/i-am-not.php>.

Chicago: Sheila Radziewicz. "I Am Not - A Poem by Sheila Radziewicz." Disabled World (DW). Last modified June 12, 2016. www.disabled-world.com/communication/poetry/i-am-not.php.

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/communication/poetry/i-am-not.php">I Am Not - A Poem by Sheila Radziewicz</a>: I Am Not is a poem written by Sheila Radziewicz that defines her life as a woman with a disability.

While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, our content is for general informational purposes only. Please consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.