In her reflective poem “Is This Justice”, QuratUlAin Shahid gives voice to the pain, strength, and resilience of persons with psychosocial disabilities who are too often seen through lens of pity instead of rights and equity.
#WhatWENeed is not sympathy, it’s justice, trust, and recognition of our human rights as guaranteed by the CRPD.
They call me different, as if it’s a wound to bear,
But I was born with courage wrapped in silent prayer.
You see my chair, my steps, my voice — not me,
You build your walls of pity, and call it sympathy.
Is this justice — that my worth must be explained,
That your comfort stands tall while my dreams are chained?
You look at me with eyes that whisper, “less,”
Yet I fight each dawn just to prove — I’m no less.
I don’t need your tears, I need your trust,
Your hands to build, not gather dust.
For I am whole, though the world denies,
I am not your weakness — I’m strength in disguise.
You speak of equality in songs and speeches,
But your kindness fades when it truly reaches.
You say “we care,” yet turn away in fear —
Tell me, is this justice… or just what you want to hear?
Don’t call me broken — I am beautifully made,
By the same Creator, from the same shade.
See my spirit, not my scar,
For justice begins when you see who we are.
Click here to download the peom