As part of our latest edition of Visible, we asked people at our social groups and members of our team to share what they wish others understood about sight loss.

Becky shared this brilliant poem, The VIP Life, inspired by her own experiences of living with sight loss. With warmth and humour, it captures some of the everyday frustrations, misunderstandings and funny moments that many people with sight loss will recognise.

The VIP Life

A poem by Becky

I’m not ignoring you, I promise it’s true,

I can’t tell if you’re Bob, or Dave, or perhaps it’s even Sue?

If I didn’t say “Hello,” I wasn’t being mean,

You’re just a blurry smudge in my peripheral scene.

The “Can You See This?” game really isn’t much fun,

If you hold up your fingers, consider me done!

I’ve mastered the art of the invisible trip,

Clutching every surface to avoid the dreaded slip.

Don’t get me started on glass doors, sparkling clean,

I’ve kissed so many windows, it’s frankly obscene!

And the great “pointing mystery” always leaves me in despair,

As you confidently gesture and say, “It’s just over there!”

But “Over there” is a kingdom, vast and enormously wide,

Could you be more specific and act as my guide?

Please skip the pushing or the grabbing of my arm,

It’s hardly a good way of turning on the charm.

“Would you like a hand?” is the perfect way to start,

It makes me feel included instead of set apart.

My vision may be wobbly and even a little dim,

But please talk to me, and not just to him.

My mind is sharp and able, my brain is quite a gift,

So speak to me directly—not the person I’m with!

And don’t get me started on my disappearing phone,

The minute I put it down, I’m in the “Vanished Zone.”

No, I can’t find it with echolocation or some magical sound,

(Unless it starts ringing while I’m hunting all around).

But more often than not, the whole house must be felt,

Searching every corner where I’ve sat and even knelt.

If I ever look lost or puzzled, please do give me a shout!

It’s better than watching me wander aimlessly about.

So now you have an insight, a little peek into my life,

Of the funny side of living with a little less than sight.

And I hope you’ll now agree

it certainly isn’t easy, if you really can not see!

Thank you to Becky for sharing this poem with us.