Between the Sand and the Sky: A Journey from Isolation to Inclusion

Introduction

In my twenties, I wrote the poem “Between the Sand and the Sky,” inspired by feelings of isolation—a common experience for many individuals living with disabilities. This poem was born out of a need to express the frequently overlooked struggles and barriers that continuously affect the lives of people with disabilities and those who are viewed as different.

Poem: Between the Sand and the Sky

By Kerry Wiley

A black sky, a half moon, dying light,
A lonely mass on a violent sea
Cast away for closer shores, gentler waters,
Cast away for those with closer bonds.
Cursing the character assassination,
Don’t cry.
Syllables fall at a feverish pitch, converging between the sand and sky
Hitting like a brick,
Tears fall.
Thunder in my ears, pushing away the roar, the force
Thunder rolled, the words were polite,
Cursing the character assassination,
Uttered between the sand and the sky.

Reflection and Analysis

The ‘black sky’ and ‘half moon’ symbolize limited understanding and indifference toward those who are different. The phrase ‘cursing the character assassination’ captures my personal distress and the broader frustration of being misjudged or misrepresented, while ‘syllables’ and ‘tears’ falling ‘at a feverish pitch’ echo the overwhelming pressures for recognition and respect.

Reflecting on Change Over Time

Decades have passed since I wrote those lines, and in that time, the landscape of disability rights has seen substantial shifts. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was a landmark, promising to dismantle many of the barriers that contribute to isolation (Stiker, 1999). The shift from a medical model to a social model of disability emphasized barriers as the true challenges, advocating for community integration and inclusion.

Yet, despite these advancements, technology has introduced new forms of connection and, paradoxically, new barriers. The digital divide accentuates isolation for those without access, underscoring the necessity for technology designed with accessibility in mind from the start (Journal of Accessibility and Design for All, 2020).

Conclusion

Reflecting on “Between the Sand and the Sky,” it is clear that the themes of isolation and misunderstanding echo as loudly today as when the poem was first written. The imagery of turbulent seas and unsettled skies in the poem continues to represent the challenges and barriers that remain in the path of inclusion and acceptance. Despite the progress marked by legislative and technological advancements, the journey echoed in my verses—towards gentler waters and closer shores where bonds are stronger—is ongoing.

As we push forward, leveraging advancements in technology and policy, I am constantly reminded of the poem’s call to not ‘cry’ in the face of adversity but to strive and advocate for tangible, everyday accessibility and acceptance of people with disabilities.

How can we ensure that the strides that we make are not just formalities but real changes that reduce the isolation of those who feel adrift in a sea of indifference?

References

• Stiker, Henri-Jacques. (1999). A History of Disability. University of Michigan Press.
• UCSF. (2012). “Social Isolation in Adults with Disabilities.”
• Journal of Accessibility and Design for All. (2020). “Technological Accessibility and Social Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities.”