If I didn’t have to call the insurance company today
I would push Charlie’s wheelchair all the way to the creek
Walk along the water
His arms outstretched
Feeling the breeze
Feeding the ducks
A smile
A seizure
But only a small one today
If I didn’t have to reorder the clobazam today
I would take Charlie to the library
Let him take the jackets off all of the books
And line them all up side by side
A giant among the toddlers
Some of the moms would smile
Others fearful that
Intellectual disability is contagious
Which it isn’t
Only ignorance
If I didn’t have to schedule his therapies today
I would take Charlie to the pool
Watch him splash for three hours straight
In a life vest
On his back like a turtle
Laughing so much my face hurts
Ignoring all stares
Pure joy
If I didn’t have to call about the external review today
I would design a study
That demonstrates the cost-effectiveness
Of computerizing all of these tasks
So that I can do them anytime, anywhere
And does not require a call
I can do it after his seizure has finished at midnight
And I am stuck awake with adrenaline
I would welcome that distraction
But I can’t do any of those things today
Because I’m the parent or guardian of Charles
And they are a patient-centered company.