I doubt empathy is a valid approach. It is not realistic.

They say you are not pulling your weight

This is number 8 of fifty pieces of poetry and prose written by Peter Limbrick as a monument to adults and children who have lived and died or are living now in inhuman situations. They are all inspired by real experience.

 

Appraisal

Yes, I appreciate what you are saying about the

need to give them more varied activities.

But you have to be careful.

If you give them too much stimulation, they will

expect it every day.

I have been watching how you talk to them.

You can only go so far, you know, in trying to put

yourself in their shoes.

They are different from us. I doubt empathy is a

valid approach. It is not realistic.

Simple as that.

You ought to try empathising with your colleagues,

if you are so keen on empathy.

A few have complained about you.

They say while you are trying to commune with

the boys* on the ward, they have to work harder to

get everything done before the shift ends.

They say you are not pulling your weight.

You have been with us for six months and,

to be honest, I am starting to wonder if this is the

right sort of work for you.

Perhaps you are wondering the same thing.

If you want to stay with us, you will have to decide

whose side you are on.

 

*For 'boys' read 'men'.

 

The other 49 pieces can be seen here:

In Mind - a written monument to all people with intellectual disability. (Items 1 to 10)

In Mind - a written monument to all people with intellectual disability. (Items 11 to 20)

In Mind - a written monument to all people with intellectual disability. (Items 21 to 30)

In Mind - a written monument to all people with intellectual disability. (Items 31 to 40)

In Mind - a written monument to all people with intellectual disability. (Items 41 to 50)