THIS CHAIR IS NOT ME

I filmed Alan performing this very moving poem/dance at a weekend for the charity 1 Voice, where he was a mentor. He is now acting in BBC3's new comedy, 'I'm with stupid'

THIS CHAIR IS NOT ME
What do you see when you look at me?
An ugly metal chair with wheels to run around?
This chair is not me.
What do you feel when you pass me by-
A shudder of distaste or there but for the grace of God go I?
This chair is not me.
What do you say when my back is turned?
Do you laugh or call me names?
This chair is not me.
I drink, I am one of the boys.
I laugh, I cry, I have a sense of humour
And rules that I live by.
This chair is not me.
I have wants, I have needs,
I have hopes and I have dreams.
Some will bear fruit,
Others will not come to be.
But whatever happens in my life,
This chair will never be me.

This wheelchair is not me,
It's just my way of getting around.
I am me!
Just because my legs don't work,
Doesn't mean my brain can't.
Please see me as a person.
I can think.
I can see.
I can hear.
I can feel.
I can make decisions.
I am not a baby.
Don't treat me as a baby.
Some people treat me as if I were rubbish.
I am not rubbish!
I am worth as much as the next person.
Some people treat me as if I were mad.
Maybe I am mad, but in a happy kind of way.
Please see me.
Please talk to me.
Please hear me -- listen to me.
Please take time to get to know me,
Because I would like to get to know you.

©Alan Martin 1994

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Alan
• Martin
• chair
• wheelchair
• I'm
• with
• stupid
• BBC3

[kickinkez]

Many thanks for you kind comments. The school you mention is exceptional and was a real delight to work at. The kids were just fabulous and I hope to be invited back sometime.

Alan

[BfCms]

Alan I had the absolute pleasure in meeting you at a special school in croydon - i could have talked all day long with you - you are a diamond ! the kids loved you - thank you Alan xx

[marqsNL]

this chair is not you!

i'm not sure if i can life with

absolut respect for this amazing project

[almightperfectred]

you are, an absolutly amazing, and inspiring you person. Your art shown was nothing short of amazing, and moved me greatly. Honestly, near the end of this performance, i was near tears, you have defined yourself spectacularly, you are you, and I am very glad you are

[oldladylove]

please come to my space page as alicefayelove in the film section.please put up a page for this work on my space..i am doing some net working with in the community.I would also love to include this pice in a work i am doing..this video should also be posted in the my space video section.thank you again for such moving work and look for you on my space soon...

[oldladylove]

thank you

[fraserkatie]

oldladylove, go to his website, mouseonthemove (co) dot uk to find more about his work.

[lalanguiles]

Fantastic.  You're an inspiration mate.

[bobdfdy]

Wow thats amazing i believe everyone should be treated equaly and that shows why its so touching and moving i love poetry and i write to and i think tht everyone should see this an realise evry1s human xx

[speedwolf]

I love the bewildered clapping of the audience at the end.

"Is he finished?"