The New Social Worker Vol. 20, No. 3, Summer 2013 | Page 28

Poetry
How do you See me, when you look at me? With my Dark Skin Latin Curl, Africana Sass Educated, Well-dressed, and yes a little Class Full of life, Full of love, Full of Pizzazz But what if I was Three Shades Darker With Locks for Hair and a Fist on my Shirt What if I was Three Shades Lighter With Waves for Hair and a Perfect Pencil Skirt Tell me... What if when I spoke My accent is what you heard Or when I passed you in the hallway You smelled the herbs that I burn If I came to you in marital distress And Feeling hopelessly bound Then I introduced to you my wife...yes, my Lesbian wife Would you assume I’m hell-bound? If I was an 18-year-old male With my pants hanging low Would you automatically hide your bag And slow the flow of resources I might need to go...forward What if I do not speak English But tried really hard with what I know Would you raise your voice 10 decibels higher I’m not deaf, or dumb, you know... How about if you see me struggling to walk on 42nd Street So many people, so many cars, so many sounds, so many feet I’m blind, I need my stick to walk

How Do You See Me?
by Gwen Butler, LCSW
Excuse me, I didn’t know I was in your way Or how about if I’m trying to catch that bus too... I got a job, finally! Does my wheelchair offend you? If I stood before you, with an unshowered smell Because I live in a shelter, more like a “hell” Would you meet your eyes with mine? Nope, not asking for a dime... Just looking for some time, a moment to call mine What if I came to see you, with all my five young children Yeah, they’re loud and rambunctious They’re young children what do you expect? I couldn’t find a sitter But I want to keep my appointment, trying to be responsible In this already unforgiving world Ok, wait... Let’s change the scenery I’m your new supervisee, so excited to work But please don’t send me into that room with him He smells of dirt! Help me Supervisor! This paperwork is Nuts! How can I manage all of this? And I feel like I’m working for PeaNuts! Please don’t let me go... I really need this job I entered this field because I truly love it But passing the exam has been hard! I know you think I’m young It’s true, I do have a lot to learn But listen to me... this technology thing Is something you need to learn I don’t work on the Sabbath It’s my day of rest Yours may come tomorrow I will honor it too, at best Social Worker, this is a call to the inner most parts of YOU A time to reflect and examine The way in which you view The people around you The thoughts you have The feelings you have And the way it informs YOU. Gwen Butler, LCSW, is currently in private practice, both in Manhattan and Forest Hills, Queens. Gwen is also the First Vice President on the Board of the National Association of Social Workers, NYC Chapter, where