“Once I start writing I find it very enjoyable putting words together… I write poetry about myself, my past and hopefully my future,” Mary said.

“I write about different things, about love, about nature”.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mary has found expression and empowerment through her poetry as well as giving her audience an insight into the experiences of a person who lives with disability.

Intereach Ability Links has worked with Mary to publish the volume, which contains more than 30 poems.

Mary said: “My poems give people a chance to walk in my shoes and see the world through my eyes. It gives me a chance to communicate with my audience in a personal way about my feelings and life.”

“People often ask me how I am able to write poems, but for me it’s a natural thing. I often lie awake in bed and the words pop into my head. Having my work published really is a dream come true and I hope that I can inspire other people who live with disability to follow their dreams too.”

Intereach Ability Links Linker Simone Murphy, who has supported Mary to publish her poems, said she was delighted to see Mary grow in confidence: “Mary’s experience, enthusiasm and energy is hugely inspiring.” 

Griffith City Library has supported Mary to promote and launch her work.

Intereach is a not for profit community based provider of services to regional, rural and remote communities throughout the Riverina Murray region of NSW.

They  work alongside children, families, older people, carers and people with a disability by providing information and support, delivering a range of services or linking people with another service that can better meet their needs.

Mary’s book launch will be at Griffith City Library on Thursday at 530pm.