Naomi the Wordsmith

I’ve been sick and in pain for a while (still recovering) so these events all happened a couple weeks ago. But they stuck out in my memory so much I wanted to share them.

I got rejected by a bus driver … again

My dad and I made it to the bus stop just in time, even though the train was late. The bus peeks out at us from the distance, getting closer.

My dad sticks his arm out and waves, to get the bus driver’s attention. The driver makes eye contact and nods. He knows he needs to deploy the ramp so I can get on.

The bus stops. The wave of passengers surges onto the bus. I find a space and wait for the ramp to deploy.

No alarm sound. Nothing happens. The crowd at the bus stop is now the crowd on the bus. Me and my dad stand and watch as the driver pulls away, leaving us stranded in the soaking, pouring rain.

“I can’t believe it,” my dad keeps saying. I can, though. It’s happened to me many times over the years.

I don’t know if it’s because they’re prejudiced or they’re working long shifts and they just can’t face getting up. But as my clothes cling to me with wet, and the bus fades into the distance, it can’t help but hurt.

What if the next bus driver does the same thing?

Luckily, he didn’t. I got on the bus and continued with my day.

Dodging death for the third time today before I even get on the train

The thing you don’t expect when you start using a wheelchair is just how dangerous it is to get around.

Say you’re on a walk (okay, a roll) to the local shop to get some milk. You go to cross the road, but you can’t. There’s no drop down.

So you have to choose between just rushing down the gap (which risks injury and pain) or finding an alternative route. Your choice depends on how short on time you are.

If you’ve got some time, you keep walking down the road, looking for a drop down. 5 minutes turns into 10 minutes turns into 15 minutes.

Finally you find one, and you can cross the road. Now you have to get back on track.

But what about if there’s no alternative route? Or what if the drop downs on the other side of the road are blocked by a vehicle?

You’re stuck following the road until finally you can get back on the pavement (sidewalk for my US readers).

Every time I go out, it feels like I’m dodging death from the battle of car vs electric wheelchair. My instinct is that the car wins.

Travelling can be really dangerous sometimes when you’re in a wheelchair.

Phew. I’ve endured rejection and survived danger. Now we’re onto the cool, happy bits.

I got to pet a cute doggie

He was black and fluffy and smelled my chicken lunch.

I spotted some Where’s Wally street art

At the same place where I petted the dog (outside a coffee shop), on a white-painted brick wall I saw a rather nostalgic artwork.

Here it is…

The thing I love about this artwork is the way it’s positioned contextually on the wiring of the building: it looks like Wally is walking on some kind of tightrope or beam. It’s so cute and clever. I love it.

I recited some awesome poetry on a train station platform

We were sitting on the platform, my dad on the metal bench, me on my wheelchair. Waiting for the train to come.

I’m bored, so ask him if he’d like to hear this extract from Beowulf I’m reading.

“Sure, why not,” my dad says, his curiosity piqued.

Plus who’s not up to hearing about an epic fight against a dragon with warriors, honour and bravery?

I start reading out the poetry. I like to try and sound out the rhythm and style of the writing in my voice. Bring the poetry to life.

After a couple minutes, my dad is absorbed in the drama of the ancient verse. He doesn’t notice the small crowd of passengers who have gathered around us.

I guess they were up to hearing about an epic fight against a dragon too. After all, it’s not something you normally encounter when waiting for your train.

They looked a little disappointed when their train arrived before I’d finished reciting.

All in all…

Journeys are stressful and sometimes dangerous. But, if you pay attention, and watch out for the opportunities, there’s moments of beauty in them too. Even when they’re ones you take over and over.