Ode to my Terps

Sitting in front of me
clothed in black mourning wear,
they translate what the teachers say
to pictures in the air.

The first time I went
to my doctor and said,
“I’m ready to have sex,”
my terp was there.

When I want to meet new people
I have help from the terps.

I meet my terp before class
Just to gossip and laugh.

I am comfortable
with my terps.

I confide in my terps.
I share poetry with my terps.
I play Scrabble with my terps.

My eyes and ears, my terps.
My voice, my terps.  

​~ Quinn Burch