There are those amongst us whose
Affliction with which they contend
May not be so overtly apparent, yet
They are not at all any less challenged
Than those crippled and maimed who
Often display the Handicapped sticker
Rendering them special consideration.
Whether equitable or not,
Be such as it may ...
There's no sticker for afflicted souls
Who dwell in the fringes of the
Autism spectrum
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Author:
Louis Gibbs (
Offline) - Published: November 27th, 2017 00:00
- Comment from author about the poem: This poem is dedicated to all on the site who are so afflicted ... you know who you are.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 46
Offline)
Comments5
I have experience of the spectrum within the family and this poem has great meaning - super write Louis.
Thank you, Michael. So many families are touched by this affliction. Sorry to hear yours is one.
Very good write and so meaningful.
Much appreciated, Goldie! Glad you found it so.
Good write L. I said before somewhere - we can't 'see' mental illness like we can see physical illness.
Handicapped is hideous word I think. It's 'special needs' nowadays, as one alternative word.
An English cartoon is 'Andy Capp'. A character's name based on 'Handicap' I think, though it does not poke fun at mental illness.
This particular affliction especially is far more prevalent than recognized, or discernible for that matter. 'Special needs' is the politically correct term in use today, but trust me, it is a handicap. Thanks for your thoughts and comments, 'O'!
Louis, thank you for opening our eyes to this affliction! I know a couple who has two children, both afflicted by autism. And I still remember watching the movie 'Rain Man'!
My heart goes out both to the children so afflicted, and to their parents, who can but watch as their newborn slowly slips away from them into the abyss of this hideous affliction. I will be posting follow-up poems on autism, a subject very close to my heart.
Thank you for your empathetic comments, Fred.
Very nice Louis , beautiful poem
Thank you so much, WL. As I replied to Fred's comment, I will be posting more poems on this sad, poorly understood affliction.
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