What do we retain of another’s life,
frequently blinded by restraints and strife?
Does he live with ease, in ignorant bliss?
“What he never had, he will never miss!”
With reasoning minds, our dynamic tool,
no one thinks us witless or calls us “fool”
while the man next to us bears each day,
bound in prejudice in all he may say.
Familiar problems present to all,
though his mind erects a barricade wall
that he can not see, nor touch, remove
while he lives his life with nothing to prove.
Genes formed him this way with so many more,
detached from a world of which he’s unsure.
From daily routine he’ll not venture far,
safe and secure, which to us seems bizarre.
Mind set, there’s not much to worry about,
no need for protest and no need to shout,
placid he waits, yet fixed comments are stark,
he must cope with life, not live in the dark.
Life throws him a concrete issue to solve,
what does it all mean or really involve?
He doesn’t want to know nor really care,
unfocused eyes avert engaging stare.
His revolving world is in black and white
one side is wrong while the other is right,
countless shades of grey tint future gloom,
painting confusion for which there’s no room.
Mirrored reflection, the image not him,
In life’s circle solely stands on the rim,
causing disputes, calmly passes all blame,
It was someone else, no need to feel shame.
He is not spiteful, unfeeling or cold,
he’s protecting himself, if truth be told,
we guard astute, he’s cloaked behind a wall,
a right from birth, he’s different, that’s all.
Is life behind that wall a bleak abyss,
or does he drift through in ignorant bliss?
Essentially cast, life spectrum hatched,
in parallel world, or semi-detached?
Author notes
This poem was inspired by a lovely, yet very autistic young lad I had the pleasure of working with for a few years. It is a reality that society expects a certain standard of behaviour from everyone, whether they have a disability or not. Teaching this young lad to 'cope' as independently as possible in a world where others would regard his behaviour and way of thinking as 'odd' was not an easy task and it made me wonder what the world looked like from his point of view.
In a list
A contest entry
- Dr. Cube's Mind Challenge #2 by The Cube.
1000 points, ended December 7, 2007, 6 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Give Me Your Best by Titus.
300 points, ended October 14, 2008, 16 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Autism Awareness Month by NotAMolly.
1400 points, ended April 25, 13 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - A Contest Honoring Phenomenal Handi - Capable People by The Fun House.
1350 points, ended May 24, 8 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
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This actually quite literally brougth me to tears. Excellent poetry.
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I can tell you have studied and wondered over him. I do the same thing. What is it like for them? How does other peoples reactions affect them? Who are they inside? I alternate my theories, as you do...
Thanks for entering! -
I find it difficult to write with aabb, but you do it very well. Your observations in this piece are spot on, and there is much to admire about the other side. You dont really tell us, but let the reader decide for themsleves, by your intuitions. Nicely done.
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Captured very well, thank you so much for entering the contest. Good luck.
♥
whisper
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Superb
A very fine write indeed. I think your description is very good. I once, many years ago, was acquainted with a neighbor who had an autistic son. So this write rings quite true to me. Again, very well done. -
aaaaand.... congrats on silver! Well done.
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Heh... forgot your clappies (so used to talk, move on, talk, move on, lol).
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I think that it is great that, in a way, this piece really speaks to all of us which allows us to better emphasize with the poems intended subject (autism). What I mean to say is that we all have parts of ourselves that seem to exist separate from everything we do: like a fetish, or running a massive online contest *w*. While this doesn't cause us to feel like autistic people, exactly, it can give an insight into behaviors that can otherwise seem so very foreign. I guess the old maximum holds: understanding others is so often the masked quest of understanding yourself.
This piece is a great effort in the sense that it is poetically pleasing, interesting and contemplative. Anything that causes us to look at life through another's eyes is definitely worth the time. Thanks for the link.
~Das -
A very interesting approach to the prompt. It left me with unexpected thoughts. A great write, thank you for entering
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This helps us understand ...
Sue, this poem shows your care and concern for a disorder that I think is still largely uncharted territory. Ranging from high-functioning Aspis to full blown autism, your compassion and understanding comes across loud and clear in this piece. I’m gratified that you gave so much focus to connecting detachment disorders to autism. Maybe they’ll find that the embryo didn’t attach very well to the uterine wall; and that trauma is behind a broad continuum of so many of these disorders that seem connected. I know that’s a theory that’s getting some consideration; and, it makes a lot of sense to me. Certainly, autism isn’t an issue of intelligence. I applaud your efforts to express your feelings in this poem, so the rest of us can share in your experience. Thank you for writing this. I think anyone who reads it a few times will gain understanding from your words. Warm regards, Sultan
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This is absolutely brilliant, your words do make me wonder what people with autism do actually percieve.
I found the entire poem riveting and your words very touching.
Thank you for sharing with us and all the best to you in the contest...
Sue
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Promise...sing
while the man next to us bears each day,
bound in prejudice for words he will say.
... perhaps
bound in prejudice in all he may say
OR whatever he will/may say.
... those hidebound are both bound and hide from themselve and are uncomfortable both to bear and to bear up ... unless it is mutually decided to beer up or down beer to help bear up rather than bear down ?
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This is an awesome write Sue
I worked with very young autistic children for 10 years
every single one of them had outstanding creative abilities.
This has touched me deeply
Thank you for this the last two stanza's said it all
Love ~sugar~
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a parallel world...
This is very deep and insightful my talented friend. You have looked into the mists and seen the half-formed shadows... who is to say that autistic people doné experience far more reality than we give them credit for? I know that I experience far less reality than I should. Excellent and thought provoking work! Good luck in the contest!
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A VERY INSIGHTFUL PIECE, INDEED - FROM A VERY BEAUTIFUL WOMAN!
Is life behind that wall a bleak abyss,
or does he drift through in ignorant bliss?
Essentially cast, life spectrum hatched,
in parallel world, or semi-detached?
The ending says it all and ties into the title and subject matter of this insightful piece perfectly! GOOD LUCK in the contest with it, Lily - and as always - it is a genuine pleasure to see something new and thought provoking from you! Thanks SO MUCH for sharing it with me.
Peace & Love!
Earl.
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WOW!!! I am truely touched by this piece...
what a wonderful poem about a issue that needs to be spoken of.. You are a gem I see... excellent writing
and heart poor from this . Best of luck to you in the contest
Delila
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very good
i really enjoyed reading this piece. you did a great job of keeping the flow smooth and keeping me interested. Very good post.
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Autism-a much discussed subject lately in media...a very in depth take on a very widespread phenomena.x
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Briiliant!
Sue,
You have deeply touch my heart this morning with this piece. My wife and I watch "Rainman" the other day. it was the first time she has seen the movie.
I have spent the last 7 years or so tutoring people with disabilities. I've worked with those with autisticism as well. Working with those with disabilities has been the most rewarding experiences in my life and I hope soon to return doing my work here in Australia [still working on VISA conditions].
We try to ignore or seperate ourselves from things in which we don't understand. Every child that I have worked with is brilliant in his on her own ways. Autistic people all have aspects of extreme, unbelievable talents. Yet, they cannot relate their gifts to the real world [which is so confusing and messed-up in soooooo many ways]. Every person with a disability has much to offer to our world. They have an understanding which we don't. I have learned so much from each and every person that I have worked with. We managed to connect very easily. Perhaps this is because of my many physical disabilities and mood disorders...dunno...but there is a special bond that I love. I find this to be a gift and my purpose in life...to educate and help others.
Your entire write is brilliant...the last two stanzas are so powerful and true....
" He is not spiteful, unfeeling or cold,
he’s protecting himself, if truth be told,
we guard astute, he’s cloaked behind a wall,
a right from birth, he’s different, that’s all.
Is life behind that wall a bleak abyss,
or does he drift through in ignorant bliss?
Essentially cast, life spectrum hatched,
in parallel world, or semi-detached?"
Sue,
Bless you and others that care and bring awareness to our world. Silence and "looking the other way" is ignorance. We learn from awareness. We learn from each other.
Thank you my sweet soul
David
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Damned insightful work ...the color scheme is great, too.
It's always worth the read when milady's name is on the poem.
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