i watch her wheel herself
through the aisle and down the cement
i imagine her frustration with moving
i hear her cries in the break room
i paint her on my canvas
with legs strong
legs long
i turn to her tears
and wipe away her hurt
and fears
she says i am a person too
i look at her knees
where her legs should be
and simply say
i know honey. youre beautiful
even with your missing pieces.