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A Little Special

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“He will be a little special”, I heard the doctor say

When he first came into our lives that windy autumn day

My parents tried to tell me that my brother would be slow

But how do you explain that to a six year old, you know?

 

Down’s syndrome is what they called it though I didn’t understand

He’d need help from his brother and they hoped I’d lend a hand

My parents named him Nicholas, then shortened it to Nick

But Nicky was the name we used that always seemed to stick

 

When Nicky got to come home, I just didn’t want him there

My Mom put his crib in her room, to give him special care

At first I couldn’t stand him because he didn’t look like me

I wouldn’t bring my friends around for fear that they might see

 

I tried to sneak up to his bed to peek at him, and then

He’d see me there and his small face would break into a grin

No matter just how mean I was, I’d always see that smile

And he’d be glad that I was there, if only for a while

 

When he could walk, my brother tried to follow me around

And he would bring and share with me the little things he found

Though they were only rocks and such, he wanted me to know

That I was his big brother and he really loved me so

 

Every day there after school when I came running in

Nicky would be waiting there to greet me with that grin

It didn’t matter what I did or how boring it might be

Nicky was excited just to spend some time with me

 

As we got older Nicky would from time to time get sick

Others might have got depressed, but not my brother Nick

He faced all of his problems and he never did complain

Though many of the tests they ran must have caused him pain

 

The doctors told my parents Nicky had a weakened heart

They weren’t sure how much time he had or when he might depart

But Nicky always had that smile no matter what life brought

He loved to give us hugs whether he felt okay or not

 

Nicky passed away last night, his loving heart was stilled

I think that with all of that love it was just overfilled

Even in his final hours, that smile was on his face

A tender loving soul went on to be in heaven’s grace

 

“He will be a little special”, I can hear that doctor say

And that’s what heaven will find out when he gets there today

Special, because he showed us how we should love one another

Nicky I was truly blessed to have you as my brother

Author notes

For my friend Will. This was written for a friend of mine who had two boys one of which was special. He passed away not too long ago.

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Comments

1 - 67 of 67

  • Crivos
    November 17

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    Superb

    This poem is a very good read, the sentence structure is such than makes you keep on reading. The story is well defined and it never seems to drag. What an emotional touch the repetition of the word special conveys between the first and last sentences. Many kudos go out to you friend for writing such a heart-felt poem for a friend, at first glance one would think these words come from personal experience.


  • wave1080
    November 17
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    Awwww !

    This is beautifully sad !


  • sonia 77
    November 16
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    Very,very ....cute and sad ..i love this one ....!!!

  • ArchCarXxx
    November 16

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    Oh my! This is so touching. I really like this, no, I love this!! I love the message and the flow of words. I like poems like this with simple but heartfelt meanings. Congratulations! ^_^

  • Poetry lover
    November 16
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    Extraordinarily beautifu


  • savemysoul
    November 13

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    i'd loved the picture, it just got the image running in my head. this was very very sad, and it reminds me of my aunt. she was supposed to have a kid with DS but died before she had it. this is a very touching person, and very emotional. thanks for entering.

    -- jordan.


  • Samara Reyn
    November 13

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    Am i allowed to cry?
    This is by far, the most beautiful and touching piece i have ever read on AP. And how your words just drew me in is amazing. My goodness, it is as if i was there. It's overwhelmingly sad

  • Topnotchsy
    November 12
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    Absolutely stunning!! Your poetry never ceases to blow me away.

    I've read this in the past, but that did nothing to take away from the beauty and impact this piece has.


  • MJ Forgives
    November 3

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    Really beautiful and sad poem. One of the greatest beautiful poems I have read so far on this site. I hope you do well in my contest and thanks for entering. Love and Peace!
    -Jess


  • Symphony
    October 24

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    This was an amazingly beautiful poem; i actually truly do have a tear in my eye after reading it... and will most certainly be reading more of your works after this... astoundingly moving!


  • Kathraina silver member
    October 16

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    Oh my...this is so beautiful
    I have a little cousin with Down's Syndrome. Her name is "Angel-Ann" and she truly is an angel. I know the feelings here. You've done a marvelous job with this write, the tale has truly touched me.


    bravo and thank you for entering



    ♥ kate


  • Gods Child
    April 17

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    This is so sad. What a great remembrance of "Someone Special". You did a great job putting it into words (as you always do).


  • Erica Carnea
    April 16

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    I Had To Force My Self To Continue Reading This As I Didn't Want To Read The End. I Am Soo Sorry For Your Loss. He Sounded Great. Thankyou SO Much For Sharing
    Erica xx

  • This is so sad, but a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. I think you have captured an essence of humanity so well here. It shouldn't matter how someone is, or what disability they have, I'm quite near blind, but at the end of the day I am human and I need to be loved just like everybody else does. Beautifully expressed from the heart.

  • Judith Chandler
    February 19

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    So sorry Nicky died. This piece brought a tear to my eye. I've known some Down's Syndrome children and they all do seem to have that quality of knowing how to love.

    You will miss him, I'm sure.


  • Violent Glass
    January 26

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    this was great
    i loved it
    i got some bumos and chills
    this was nice
    i really liked it
    great write!


  • writingismycure
    December 14, 2008
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    Beautiful

    I definitely got chill bumps from this one, thats how I know I read a very touching poem.


  • BlancetNoir gold member
    December 13, 2008

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    Congratulations on a much deserved gold. It's not easy to make me cry from a poem anymore, but this did it.


  • mackereth
    December 13, 2008

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    I'm at a loss for words. This poem deserves every gold in every contest I have ever looked at. I can't even begin to describe how it makes me feel.


  • Peachy
    December 13, 2008

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    omg
    This poem is so beautiful! Congrats: I teared up, which is usually hard to make me do and you get brownie points for it
    That last stanza was the most heartbreaking thing ever. I loved everything about this poem!
    Thank you for entering and good luck!

  • Angel1002
    October 25, 2008

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    wow

    I read this with tears in my eyes, the love and pain just flow out onto the screen. I think it is beautiful that you loved him so much and are able to communicate all of your emotions in this piece. Very well done.


  • peregrin
    September 29, 2008

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    Holt crabs, this is pretty darn touching.
    It is wow... um, this is one write that will make a person cry...
    Fantastic!

  • Topnotchsy
    June 17, 2008

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    I feel a little ridiculous going from poem to poem and trying to come up with new ways to say the same thing. This poem had me with tears in my eyes, an extremely moving and touching piece.


  • forgotten15pain
    November 12, 2007

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    tear jerking

    This poem is such a wonderful piece of art.
    I have a twin brother who also has downs, and I understand and know what you mean about that constant smile they have no matter how much they go through.

  • Optional aproval
    September 21, 2007
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    good


  • Vbear
    September 21, 2007

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    breathtaking

    this made me cry, and i am not an emotional person by all means. i have my own crap to deal with and that ive gone thru, and ive seen it all, and death doesnt effect me really (ive been to over 20 funerals of ppl who were all close to me), but this just... there was "something special" about it. it just got to me. God will take care of your brother, and my prayers are with you.


  • Mitzy
    September 20, 2007
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    very touching

    This is a very loving poem, sad, but very sweet. Good job!


  • Athena Nyx
    September 20, 2007

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    Very touching. This is written, very well, so sweet. The loss of a child is always touching, and something the rest of us should always learn from. Life is too short to hold grudges and cause tantrums.

    Very nicely done.


  • Flossy
    September 20, 2007

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    what can i add to all of the other compliments? absolutely nothing, except my undying admiration and the knowledge that i also truly love your poem


  • Shirley Shaw
    September 19, 2007

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    Beautiful-Poem

    This Is Such A Sad, and Beautiful-Poem. I Would 'Cherish, What You have Written Here,Forever. The Child, (Your Brother) Is A Darling, and Your Poem Is Amazing.You Have Me Shedding 'Tears Now!!I'm Sure He Is Smiling Down On Your From 'Heaven, Still Saying, Wow, What A Great Brother I Have, and Am So Proud Of!!!So Sorry Though,That He Had To Be Born With That Dreaded Disease. At Least Now, 'He Is At Peace'.....'God Bless You In Every Way'.....Love, Shirley ann shaw-raytown,mo......................


  • SignifyingNothing
    September 19, 2007
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    This is very moving, well-written, and sad.


  • Laura Lamarca gold member
    September 18, 2007

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    This is beautiful, sad and touching. What a beautiful gift he was, sent to teach you love. Thanks for sharing. La x


  • Winterbirdie
    September 17, 2007
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    beautiful... thank you for expressing yourself like this.


  • Red Death
    September 17, 2007
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    Genius!

  • true colours
    September 17, 2007
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    Wow

    This poem is fantastic, it really touches my heart. You truly are gifted. Love Pam x x


  • Mykeee
    September 17, 2007

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    Very personal and with truth!! Congrats on the gold and its a blessing for you to keep his spirit alive.


  • Mrs. Mautino
    September 16, 2007

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    Sir, this poem has truly touched my heart. I was in tears by the time I finished reading it. I can not even describe how much this moved me. Bless Nicky and his family. He seemed like an amazing child.


  • jessabelina
    September 16, 2007

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    Oh my gosh i almost cried, that was so sad, but it was so great. I'm sorry about your brother, he must have been such a great person. great job, thanks for sharing that story, its nice how u turned it into a poem!


  • galfalfa gold member
    September 16, 2007
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    My niece has Down’s syndrome and we can learn a lot from them - for they're always smiling at the simpliest of things, things we wouldnt ordinarily notice. Makes one wonder who has the handicap...maybe its the way we all should be...special.

    I love this, bravo,

    galfalfa


  • poorme
    September 16, 2007

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    Ok,I need to wipe the tears away.Having a "special" child myself,I understand completely.Hugs,Heather

  • Acidanthra
    September 16, 2007
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    Oh, man.... that was a hard one to read. whoever this judge is will definitely cry. I never cry, and I could actually feel the sting of tears welling in my eyes when I was finished reading this wonderful poem! You did such an excellent job telling this story in a poetic way. Definitely kudos!!!


  • 0darkAngel0
    September 16, 2007
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    i'm sorry about your loss...
    indeed a very special lil one
    nicky's smiling down on you

    thank you for sharing your poem
    it gave me flash backs
    i used to work in a hospital
    where i dealt with special children
    lets say... beautiful children

    you did a good job...
    thank you
    good luck in everything that you do


  • NakedHeart
    September 16, 2007

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    This is a really good write. So deep and full of emotion. Loved the picture also. I hope you keep going.


  • Shakes-spear
    September 16, 2007
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    You already won.

    Contest or not, you won in life. Sad story, but one that happens more often than you might think. Nicky was lucky to have you as you were to have him. The memories will never go away and I'm sure you want it that way. I love ya and I'm sure he does too. He will be waiting with that same smile when you are reunited. The Shaker (good job my friend...as always)


  • AllHopeIsEclipsed555
    September 15, 2007
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    I agree


  • Nature Song silver member
    September 15, 2007
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    Special little boy, I lost mine to heart failure when he was five. Not a brother, but my own. Regarless of how they came to our lives, children are all special.

    Nice dedication, I'm sure he is now smiling as well. Sorry this happened to your brother, never easy to loose anyone. ~Sie

    Thoughts and prays go out


  • Rose Angel gold member
    September 15, 2007

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    Love!

    Hope you win! I worked with Downs Syndrome children for a year, and if I ever felt loved, and my work worthwhile..It was then.Devoted, cheerful, they did have their scraps amongst one another..I did invite some to my wedding service...They were like family to me..So your feelings I understood as you understood him...I think that is what makes you special, having Nicholas as your brother...Love.....A wonderful wonderful write


  • Ipanickedatthedisco
    September 15, 2007
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    This is so sweet, and lovely. The emotions are rivetting. A truly wonderful write.


  • Cherokee
    September 15, 2007

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    That is so precious. Love the picture. I saw that it was for a friend. Is this about your little brother? You know you'll see him again...
    Some of the kids I work with have Downs so this really touched me...


  • Water Color Sky
    September 15, 2007
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    Aw. Great poem, full of love and emotion


  • grannyeri gold member
    September 15, 2007

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    What a lovely write, what a great picture of a special boy. Everyone is sppecial, but some a bit more than others because of the obstacles they have to overcome. Lovely sentiments expressed so well in these lines through the rhythm, rhyme and flow of the lines. Easy to read and understand what you are sharing. Just to share in this boy's life is a wonderful thing and all those who were part of his short life will always remember this special little guy.


  • YoursTrulyJulie gold member
    September 15, 2007

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    This is such a beautiful write Steve...Words just can't say how it made me feel. I wish you the best of luck in this contest


  • Basia
    September 15, 2007
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    Just wanted to give applause. Great poem. Very emotional.


  • sassylilpoet silver member
    September 14, 2007

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    This is a wonderful poem, and very heartfelt write. I'm not sure about the rude comments below, must be a case of jealousy, because they are not true poets. Write on poet


  • Billythekid
    September 14, 2007

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    Obviously "it all i know" is really stoned or is schizophrenic.Anyways, this is very heartfelt and loving.Though some of the lines could be shortened a bit to add emphasis.Great tribute whether it is personal or not.


  • twilight seduction
    September 14, 2007

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    Nicky passed away last night, his loving heart was stilled
    I think that with all of that love it was just overfilled

    “He will be a little special”, I can hear that doctor say
    And that’s what heaven will find out when he gets there today

    You are such a gifted poet. You were up front and honest in your piece and kept me thinking about how someone with Down syndrom must be like. I hada cousin with it and in all honesty, I never felt anything but loathing for him. and yes,I know that makes me horrible. But I ahve changed since then, and by reading your poem, you opened my mind to some of the deeper issues regarding children like Nicky. I can't begin to understand your emotions on sucha an intense level, but you did what the name of the contest said, you certainly made ME cry.


  • Nicolette Everett
    September 14, 2007

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    Ok, the purpose of the contest title was fulfilled. I'm preventing the tears from falling so I can type this...which is a little hard.
    Really beautiful, reminds me how much I love my brother.
    Good job!
    ~)O(~Nicolette~)O(~


  • MagicLady silver member
    September 14, 2007

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    Dear STeve,
    This is a wonderful write. I think you know that I have a "special" daughter. I used to ask God, WHY? Now I thank him for the very special blessing named Katie. I enjoyed this so very much. My son has always struggled with his special sister. He was embarassed by her many times. I wish he could have had a better relationship with her. Thanks for this special read.

    Cheryl

  • kellanthewonderer
    September 14, 2007

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    heartening

    wow that was great. I don't cry very easily, and that brought tears to my eyes. It was...just wow. Thank you for sharing this


  • stavykm gold member
    September 14, 2007

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    You are so Lucky

    Beautiful poem to your brother, love and respect! Didn't matter if he had down syndrome or not you were proud he was your brother Nicky! I am so sorry that he passed away, yet fond memories you have so blessed Nicky and you. The title A little special is perfect then the first line He will be a little special I heard the doctors say, then the last line Nicky I was truly blessed to have you as my brother. This brings tears to my eyes. God Bless You, thank you for sharing your gift to write poetry with me!! I feel honored, stavykm


  • ventus11
    September 14, 2007
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    I would say sad story but it's not. Its a courages story filled with love and hope. I find it hard to comment on poems like these. It is what it is. The only word of advace i can offer you is to try to expand your vocabular. the words you used as end rhymes are very common. other than that great write.

  • Nanax7
    September 14, 2007

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    Such a beautiful poem and it did indeed make me cry. I am wiping tears from my eyes as I write this. You are a winner in my book. The special kids are the ones who let us know what love is all about. Thank you.


  • Naridill
    September 14, 2007

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    Wow! That woke me up, was simply beautifully sad. From emotions strung from hatred for you and the judgments kids make when little and they don't understand, to love for your brother and the hurt that he didn't understand and was strong enough to overcome.

    This piece was simply a gorgeous memory that penned, can always be a reminder of such a beautiful person. A loving tribute that simply is a reminder of such a spark in life.

    Was beautiful. Thanks for sharing.


  • Melodies
    September 14, 2007

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    A tender, sweet poem!

    Special, indeed, and an angel from the start! Thank you for writing this beautiful poem and sharing it with us. My day has been enhanced many fold because I read your splendid thoughts.


  • bunnyboo1993
    September 14, 2007

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    This shows you that everyone can get though it if he could, he was special they all are from ADHD to down syndrome. He had a good life with a smile on his face. We're the luckyest people alive to have family with special needs in our lives they might be hard sometimes but just knowing your helping them and that you have an easier life then them but they get though all of the pain and fury is all worth while to see a grin on their face.

    This is a beautiful piece of poetry it really did mean something to me.


  • Devils Reject
    September 14, 2007

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    oh wow....i dont know how to describe the emotions i feel after reading this. my mothers brother had downs syndrome, and he was like my special angel. we lost him 3 years ago. he lived to the old age of 43. bless you this is a wonderful piece!


  • astralshepherd gold member
    September 14, 2007

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    well Steve, you've written a classic poem, once again i find myself amazed and truly blessed at the reading of another of your offerings. I found myself spellbound by the gentle cadence presented but the content is so far beyond anything i could have ever imagined. I am sitting here typing this and am wiping the tears away from my eyes, so much compassion spilling out onto the page – your poem is a treasure and a gold trophy winner for sure, if this were my contest, it would be over now and you declared the obvious winner.

    blessings and best wishes,

    ~richard

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