Awkward Grace – A Poem by Mark Tulin

Awkward Grace was first published in Vita Brevis. It’s the title poem of my chapbook of poetry. See Awkward Grace on Amazon.

Awkward Grace by Mark Tulin

My whole life is bound to the chair,
but I still recite my verses and rhymes.
I still share myself with the passersby
and face each day with a lyrical hope.

My life may be contained to a chair,
but I don’t let the straps hold me back.
My faith is powered by a 12-volt battery.
I throttle my movement with awkward grace.

My chair has become an appendage
like a protective family member.
All that I own and care about
is attached like cargo to the back of a bus.

My life may be stuck in neutral,
and my head forever cocked to the side.
My adhesive bag may be bursting full
and my muscles shaking in a Palsy spaz.

But I still have my words to read.
I still have my poetry.