September, 2001

Meet the Phenomenal Robert Hensel written by himself

My name is Robert M. Hensel and I am an International poet born with a birth defect know as Spina Bifida. The reason for me telling my story, is because I wish to share a few of my poems and a little bit about myself with your readers. As a disabled man, I feel that if others with disabilities were to see my accomplishments, then that in return might give them the courage needed to reach our for their own goals in life.

Being disabled in no way means unable. When one door closes another opens, and it is then up to us what we plan to do once in side. We have come a long way since the signing of the ADA. How far we shall go is surly left up for us to decide. I as a person, plan to go that extra mile to leave a very large impression upon this world in which we live in. If my story is to help but only one person, then I have achieved what I have set out to accomplish. Enclosed you will find two of my poems, along with a short bio that should give you a better idea of what I am all about.Please look over my submission and let me know if you feel that you would be able to use it. Let me lend a hand in showing others that, they too can overcome.

I grew up with a birth defect known as spina bifida, a disability that affects my sense of balance, causing me to walk with a limp. Not only does it affect the function of the legs, but it also has an impact on the kidneys, causing them to deteriorate. The disability has had its ups and downs. As a young child, I can remember the way other children would look at me and stare because of the way that I walked. There were many times that my schoolmates would laugh at me and call me names simply because of their lack of understanding of why I was a little different, especially back in the mid 70s and early 80s. Children then were just unwilling to take the time to learn why one of their classmates might walk, speak or seem noticeably different from themselves. Now that I am an adult, I have noticed that the stares and names have begun to fade, and judgments that once were negative have begun to turn toward acceptance. The signing of the ADA has played a great part in breaking down some of those barriers that, as a child, left me to fight a war that seemed to have no end. Now I look beyond what I can't do and focus on what I CAN. I have learned that limitations open doors that have been closed, showing other ways to meet our needs. I have always looked at life as a challenge, grasping each obstacle with open arms. There is nothing in this world that comes easy. I must stand tall and look forward, to be ever so ready for what still lies ahead. People often feel sorry for those who were born with some type of disability. But their compassion is misplaced. Yes, I may not be able to run as fast or perform certain tasks, but my disability gives me a better look at life and all that's around me. I want to be seen not as a disability but as a person who has, and will continue to, bloom. So I decided to become a advocate on behalf of disabled Americans, to fight for our rights that for so long have been ignored. I feel that it only takes one powerful voice to change the minds of many nations, and as long as I have a mouth to use and a mind to think I will continue to work to bring peace upon the disabled community. May the words that flow between the lines connect us to a world of peace.

#1. "Peace of Mind"

Carry me out the ocean, where my drifting thoughts flow free.
Guide them to a far distant land, that only the mind can see.
There I shall paint a great portrait, of what this world should be.
A place without senseless wars, and human poverty.

#2. "The Poet"

Words flow onto paper like rain , forming giant rivers of unseen lands.
The very force guides us along a journey that holds of great adventure.
We are the explorers of the literary world.
We must find the courage to write what others are unable to, with the greatest of passion.

#3.

A poet dreams. and then must portray his visions upon the page that lies before him.
It is the beauty of all things that inspires us to communicate in such a way.
A man does not wake up one day, and decide to become a poet.
It must live in the very blood that courses through his veins.
He is the creator of a world, only he has known.
He is the actor and director, of all that speaks out through his pen.
He is a man of all men, Visionary of all visionaries.
What you haven't seen, he has. What you can't say, he can. For he is the poet.

Poems by: Robert M Hensel "MY BIO" Robert M. Hensel was born in Rota, Spain in 1969. Currently a resident of Oswego, NY, he is an International poet-writer. Some of his most resent publishing credits are as followed: New York Review, Indie Journal, Inditor.com, Head in the Clouds: Christian magazine, Word, and No Noun-sense literary magazine. Robert also serves as an Advocate for the disabled, an on-going effort to better the rights of all Americans with disabilities. On October 1st. of 2000 Robert was honored with having the mayor of his home town declare a week for the disabled, on his behalf.
This week is to display the many accomplishments the disabled have achieved in the world today, which has been called,"Beyond Limitations Week". In 2001 Robert was also honored with having the County of Oswego declare October 1st-7th as "Beyond Limitations Week".It is also learned that it is soon to be brought before the State of New York board to be adopted statewide.In his own words,"May the words that flow between two line connect us to a world of peace."