Dr. Shruti Shankar Gaur

A poem on Inclusion

This poem was originally written by Anuvrata Gaur in 2017. I haven’t read a more beautiful poem depicting inclusion. Thus, I requested her, if I could use it. She was gracious enough to pass it on to me. I edited it, added few para’s and thus, it became part of my research thesis in 2018. Five years later, as I browsed to celebrate the Month of Inclusive Education, I couldn’t find a better option than this composition.

She is so ugly

One of them remarked

A complete misfit for our class

Scorned the other

Ever noticed, how people stare at her in disbelief

Whispered one to the other

If I was her,

I would have shamefully hidden myself to death

Smirked the loud one.

The peer meeting was abuzz with thoughts that labelled her well,

But as soon as they noticed her around,

A staggering silence took the centerstage,

Amidst the exclusion her poise shone in abundance,

Her simplicity was too austere,

To be comprehended,

By minds that defined beauty physically or fiscally.

Suddenly the youngest peer member stood up

Went close and hugged her

Holding her friend tight

She stood silently gathering the words right

As the raised eyebrows disapprovingly stared back.

Forged by destiny and bathed in fire

Her battles are no different than ours

Guided by valor she defied the odds much more powerful

By unravelling determination

That she never knew she had

The only difference is,

 She abhors basking in luster

 The scar lets her pain define her mettle

Jaws dropped,

Dawned upon by a long silence.

Suddenly they all came running,

Embracing the misfit.

Tears of joy poured,

She had always longed to have friends,

Just one step of love,

A single touch of empathy,

A slight rub of compassion

Swept away the everlasting impression.

For they all became one.

Original Credit: Anuvrata Gaur