I only attend once a month
when my allotted cab ride
takes me and my wheelchair
fifty kilometers north.
When traffic is light I arrive
early and wait on the sidewalk
at the foot of four steps
that lead to a locked door.
I will attend as long as
my arms can still lift
my chair and bottom
up one step at a time.
The toilet’s another challenge
too narrow for my wheels
I walk the walls with my hands
and leave the door unlocked.
After meeting someone
usually brings me a coffee
when I take out my pills
but no one ever asks
why I never stay for lunch
or monthly business meeting
both up the long, narrow staircase
to the second floor.
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