The following poem and story is an excerpt from the book See Us, Know Us; Profiles of Disability by Jennifer Chassman Browne, Certified Listener Poet Cohort 10 alum, forthcoming in October 2026. This book contains profiles of 30 people with disabilities. Each profile contains a portrait, a narrative biography, and an origin story and poem.
Upon stepping into these stories, readers will be captivated and feel connected. As well, they will learn so much about the lives, joys, and challenges of those living with disabilities. Readers will leave with a desire to create a world that is more accepting and inclusive; a world in which all feel that they belong. You can now pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on Jenn's website, where you will receive a signed book and a discount.
Kate Levinstein
The fact that Kate is immunocompromised means that they need to mask, to sleep and rest often, to eat and avoid specific foods, to avoid urgency and stress, and broadly, to take more care with the tasks of living. They are invested in helping others to understand that the ways that disability shows up are as diverse as the people with disabilities.
Such a Mystery
I mask-
My immunocompromised body
Needs this security.
Food can hurt me;
A potluck
Is filled
With risk.
Not choosing to be absent.
I seek connection,
Search for community.
It's not my choice to be a mystery.
Invite me in,
Ask me what I need
To be known.
See Us, Know Us; Profiles of Disability by Jennifer Chassman Browne forthcoming in October 2026.