Dependence

Hearing her say she wanted to move
into a hospital where there was total
care made sense, explained her fears
and left little room for debate. As far
as she was concerned it was too late
to relearn to use useless legs. I hate
being semi-dependent she said. With
clear and precise logic she articulated
herself into that place the social order
feared was her last choice. You know,
we said hesitantly, you’re better off
here. This is your space. If things don’t
work out – well, then we think again.
You’re dears, she said, but if things
had – I wouldn’t be here.
© 27 March 2008, I. D. Carswell