Invisible illness

I pass as able-bodied

I’m judged as lazy and malingering

I tried to believe what I was told

I really tried to think myself better

Forcing my body past it’s limitations

And doubting my lived experience

I bought into a very convincing lie

Until I learned to trust myself

Willpower didn’t cure my illness

Acceptance made my life easier

Its a blessing and curse

Because I’m not seen as disabled

I’m seen as a flawed human

My experience is not common

But I’m not going to convince them.

Elizebeth Turnquist