Don’t Assume; Just Because
Just because you see me
Trudging through the streets
Don’t assume I’ve got no home
I simply enjoy freedom to roam.
Just because I’ve got no work
Claim weekly money from the ‘dole’
Don’t assume that’s how I want to live
You ought to know, I’ve got a lot to give.
Just because I’m employed
In what’s termed a menial job
Don’t assume I’ve not much brain
Or cannot be bothered to re-train.
Just because I’m a woman
Who cooks and cleans all day
Don’t assume I’ll iron your shirts
And happily take no pay.
Just because I work with kids
And crawl around on the floor
Don’t assume opportunities
Can’t come knocking on my door.
Just because I’m well-dressed
And I’ve never been down-at-heel
Don’t assume I’m honest and good
Or from you I will not steal.
Just because I cannot walk
Spend my days in a wheelchair
Don’t assume I can’t look after myself
You know that isn’t fair.
Just because my mind seems slow
Or my eyes aren’t so alert
Don’t assume I can’t hear you
Or that I won’t be hurt.
Just because my head and limbs
Uncontrollably shake
Don’t assume my brainpower
Is lower than a snake.
Just because my skin is black
And my eyes aren’t cobalt blue
Don’t assume I don’t belong
I’m just the same as you.
Just because I’m different
My difference plain to see
Don’t assume anything
Especially about me