The following was forwarded to my by a teacher at my daughter's school, The Learning Center for Deaf Children--soon to be re-named Massachusetts School for the Deaf. Joe Kopas, who wrote this poem is a deaf adult who taught at the school for 30 years

[Guest guest]

The following was forwarded to my by a teacher at my daughter's school, The Learning Center for Deaf Children--soon to be re-named Massachusetts School for the Deaf. Joe Kopas, who wrote this poem is a deaf adult who taught at the school for 30 years. Since many of you and your kids are deaf or hard of hearing I thought you might enjoy it.

--

Joe Kopas, the first Deaf teacher of the Deaf in Massachusetts, retired from The Learning Center for Deaf Children in Framingham this past June after thirty years of dedicated service (1971-2001). To follow is a poem written by him.Enjoy.**********************************************************************Ode on Misconceptions of Deafness"Deaf, oh, you must be poor."And you mark him down as a colossal boor."Deaf, oh, that's okay. I'll raise my voiceSo you'll know what I say.""Deaf, oh, how sad."And it makes you mor'n a trifle mad."Deaf, I hear you're overly suspicious."And to tell him where to go is one of your wishes."Deaf, oh, can you drive?"And he wonders how you can survive."Deaf, oh, can you read and write?"And you're tempted to zap him out of sight."Deaf, oh, how can you work?"And you regard him as a first-class jerk."Deaf, that's okay. I can sign."When he know no more that eight or nine."Deaf, oh, are you mute?"And you really have the urge to shoot."Deaf, oh, where's your hearing aid?"When one for you hasn*t been made."Deaf, oh, don't you read Braille?"And it only adds to your travail."Deaf, oh, you must see better'n others."When your eyes are no better than your sister's or brother's."Deaf, oh, and slow, that's the rule."And you view him as a misinformed fool."Deaf, oh my, more's the pity."Which is why I wrote this ditty.Yes, ignorance is alive and well,So you shrug and say, "Oh, what the h___."We may be Deaf, but please look here...WE CAN DO ANYTHING BUT HEAR!~Joe KopasThe opinions expressed herein are those of the list subscribers and list owner ONLY.They do not represent, explicitly or implicitly the opinions or policies of The Learning Center for Deaf Children.

ParhamIndependent Longaberger Consultant and Branch Advisore-mail: aparham@...Visit my web site: www.longaberger.com/andreaparhamAvailable products change on a monthly basis, so visit often!Ask me how to receive a 25 percent discount on all products!