Petrified Money Tree

It is almost time for another state election and this year I have been put in a position where I have realised how important government support can be to a person's life. Obviously there is not unlimited funding but it is important to focus our vote on the party that spends money supporting the community and not the party that cuts funding so much it creates a petrified money tree. I think this poem will illustrate why government support and funding is crucial.

I think of a petrified forest and it's darkness and it reminds me how quickly lack of money can create a mess.

Instead of an entire forest though I am responsible for one petrified money tree because of a year of weakening ability.

Usually it is my words and music that feed my family's money tree and make it grow but when my disability stops me the tree's growth does slow.

Such a tree should not be as skinny as a sapling or vine. It is amazing how quickly fortunes can sink below the poverty line.

Politicians like to play the logger and fell the money tree and pretend a single seed is all the currency we need.

In years past I believed that money flowed freely with just a single shake of a branch but now I do not have the energy to sustain one petrified money tree.

CVI 2018

Comments

More Than Politics

Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard. This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big. My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter. If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right. All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks. I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...

Circle of Life or Circle of Tech

I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech. Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time. I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion. I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'. The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...

Humanity Platform

Search This Blog