“If You Hear Hoof Beats…”

I’m in Stanmore RNOH

The pain management programme

Zebra HQ

The only one in England

I’ve been here twice and both times

Most of us had this same physical malfunction

it’s called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

This cruel condition is causing

Some of the worst pain around

Yet no one sees us.

Our stripes are an optical illusion,

appearing well yet utterly disabled.

They judge us in our wheelchairs,

question our use of sticks

“You’re so young though,” they say

Ha! As if pain has mercy for youth, how cute.

One day you will know what the zebra means

One day we will be seen