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Brenna

I want to be innocent like Brenna is innocent.
Brenna who does not flirt with conventions
but calls everyone silly or crazy and waves at strangers
who are then no longer strangers to her.
Who farts and burbs and burst out with laughter.

And who, not matter how many times we instruct her
always has a ready smile
even when people frown on her odd manner,
call her retarded or shake their heads at autism's antics.

Who will not apologize for mismatched clothes or untied shoes
who does not understand making change or the personal space
but claps at cartoons and asks who does the voices for actors on TV.

Who will not make small talk when she has something to say
who doesn't take turns or wait when something is important
but iinterrupts and makes conversations only she truly understands
even when she's called down  like a non-performing puppy
by her supervisor's voice.

Everyday I observe her naivety and try to learn how to be innocent like her,as innocent as a baby's grasping touch
that brings every object to their mouths unable to
understand that not everything in the world is good
for children to experience.

Author notes

This is a poem based on a form called Mad-lib. Poems that influenced it are Crazy Larry by Diane Lockward, Uninhibited, Baby by Tom Hunley, Julie and Angry Adam by Glenda Shank.

Turning in for a grade. All comments appreciated.

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Comments

1 - 6 of 6

  • jamiegirl
    March 11, 2007

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    wonderful

    i like this one. "everyday i observe her naivety and try to learn how to be innocent like her, as innocent as a baby's grasping touch
    that brings every object to their mouths unable to
    understand that not everything in the world is good
    for children to experience." i like that part especially. good work! so very thoughtful and compassionate. i like the way you play with the reader's emotions.

  • SomethingPoetic
    March 11, 2007
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    aww

    Such a sad poem about the trials of autism

  • MotorcycleFreak silver member
    March 11, 2007
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    Bravo!

    I love the word choices in this one. It sets the emotional tone and rhythm perfectly. Great imagery you have painted also. The type that changes depending upon the reader's personal experience. Great Write! ~Peace~Gary

  • PrabhuDayal Khattar gold member
    March 11, 2007

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    that brings every object to their mouths unable to
    understand that not everything in the world is good
    for children to experience.

    I am really in deep thoughts with the sentiments which you have revealed here and made me to think through the tenderness of your concept as well..it is a great thought with great words here..

  • grannyeri gold member
    March 9, 2007

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    Like a day in the life of someone, the things they do and how they make your life more interesting and complete. Easy to read and understand, interesting form used here.

  • Love of a Bullet
    March 9, 2007

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    Check the 3rd line in the second stanza. I think "from" is supposed to be "frown". Also line three in the last stanza... doubled up on the i's.

    Aside from those small potatos, this work is excellent. It is great to see authors who highlight behaviors so that readers may better interpert them and understand them. I think you have a wonderful take here... inspired by a sort of "brighter side" mentality that makes us wonder if ignorance, after all, may not in fact be bliss.

    Thanks,

    ~Das

    . Rewarded 4

1 - 6 of 6