“I never imagined that I was a leader, but rather an advocate for others. Throughout this expedition, supported by a warm, nurturing sisterhood I am a woman who leads with intent, empathy, vision and heart. I do this without fear, judgment and I am no longer a burden in a world where I was not seen, heard, included or valued. Now I am a leader, an activist who advocates and embraces those struggling to find their voice. As a gift of my love and immense gratitude, I share a poem I wrote in honor of our graduation from the expedition:“
THREE WORDS
by Nicole Demos (she/her/disabled)
You are alone, misunderstood,
ridiculed, ignored,
Isolation, frustration, exclusion
Betrayed by body, mind and heart again and again
You feel intense happiness when surrounded by joy
and sunlight that shines on your face,
eyes open and bright,
your heart open to give and receive words,
ideas and sentiments flow from within like gushing water.
But in an instant,
a rumbling ache erupts like a fire,
hot ,searing and painful flames engulf you,
Incessant tears, heaving cries,
sorrow rips through your core.
You open your mouth to scream,
yet no sound escapes your quivering lips,
so you swallow.
Lonliness, anger, grief
are just three of the myriad of feelings
deeply rooted within your soul words,
ideas and sentiments that were just beginning
to flow are now trickling like intermittent drops
Eyes sullen, your body crumbles and your heart closes
To protect, to soothe, to honor
You rebuild the fortress around you and withdraw
Seeking space, grace and inner peace.
Time passes until you are presented
with a life changing gift,
an unexpected treasure of eight fellow travelers.
During the first meeting,
you notice that small pieces of your fortress
start to fall slowly and silently.
Your tired eyes are met
with glimmers of care, empathy and of hope.
As the meeting continues,
your breathing slows
and as you exhale you find your center
The strain in your neck eases
and your once hunched tight shoulders
begin to drop in unison.
Hearts beat in synchrony,
the pit in your stomach
is now giving way to intermittent flutters,
like tiny butterfly wings
and timid smiles appear on the screen.
This life changing gift,
this unexpected treasure
is like a smooth balm
coating your painful wounds
with a soothing touch.
This life changing gift,
this unexpected treasure
is a series of musical notes
that mesh to create the joyous melody
that has been dormant for so long.
This life changing gift,
this unexpected treasure is a canvas of vibrant colors
weaving into a beautiful tapestry
of shared experiences and emotions.
This life changing gift,
this unexpectant treasure are women of strength,
passion and grace
who overtime become family who understand
even without words spoken who collectively
uncover our inner beauty like archaeologists
searching for hidden gems who appreciate our journeys,
mistakes and triumphs,
while challenging each other to grow and bloom
like a sea of flowers reaching for the sunlight that once shone on our faces.
It is through this voyage that each of us finally acknowledges that We See You!
We Hear You! We Love You!
We are Women! We are Safe! We Are Sisters!
Women Who Lead! Lead with Heart,
Lead with Purpose, Lead with Vision, Lead with Empathy United in Intent,
United in Hope, United in Power, United in Love.
We are One. We are Women. Women who Lead. We are Sisterhood!
About the Author
Nicole Demos is a disabled inclusive educator and writer with over 30 years of global experience. She holds advanced degrees in Education and Counseling and is active in international inclusion networks. Now a course facilitator at SENIA Academy, she shares her advocacy through writing, workshops, and poetry. Her work appears in Harness Magazine, Crip Life, and upcoming publications on diversity in design.
