Carlow man's poem recited at the UN in Geneva for World Down Syndrome Day

Carlow man Paul Horan's poem "Just See" was read at the United Nations by the talented Francesca Goff from The Shiners and her helper and coach Angie Emmys-Jones in Geneva on Thursday for World Down Syndrome Day.

Paul is a poet and an Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing/Midwifery in Trinity College Dublin. 

She first recited the poem at Positive Choices 2018 at Trinity College Dublin last April.

The poem was inspired by the poet's experiences acting as a volunteer at the Dublin Special Olympic World Games in 2003.

Here's the poem:

"Just See"

See my ability,

Not my intellectual disability,

See me for what and who I am,

Understand me,

I am an extraordinary human being just like you,

I can do many and sometimes more things than you can do,

Seek not to pity me,

And I will not pity you,

I seek understanding, caring and love,

I give my love unconditionally,

So Why can't you,

Just accept me for all that I am,

Don't feel sorry for me for what I cannot do,

See my courage,

And you too will have the courage,

To see my flame of hope,

And maybe you will see how I can teach you to care and cope,

When all else is done,

When my battles are won,

We can by working together give this world a special gift,

When we Share the Caring Feeling,

We can all get a much-needed lift.

Paul Francis Horan © 2018