THE CAVE
AUTISM'S ANTHEM
By invitation only ...
Welcome to my private cave.
This is where I live,
For you see I am autistic.
Not everyone is welcomed,
Especially not the uninvited,
I do not comfortably entertain.
As for guests there are some rules:
Please do not invade my personal space
Nor violate my persona with unwelcomed touch.
I ask that you don't speak or laugh too loudly.
Painful sensory overload can be triggered by such.
My sensitivities are beyond your comprehension,
I cannot expect you to understand.
Though my behavior may be socially inappropriate,
I'm simply doing the best that I can.
Being called upon to interact
With the world outside the sanctuary of my cave
Can be a challenging, often shattering experience.
Wounded I retreat into its soul healing womb.
Trapped in a realm apart from your world
I struggle to find peace within this nightmare.
With autism there's little hope of awakening.
Solace is sacred seclusion, deep within the cave.
Sung from the hearts of all so afflicted
To those with whom we share our world,
In the hope of greater understanding
This poem is offered as autism's anthem.
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Author:
Louis Gibbs (
Offline) - Published: December 1st, 2017 00:14
- Comment from author about the poem: This is the third and last, for now at least, in the series of poems on autism.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 24
- User favorite of this poem: Fay Slimm..
Offline)
Comments5
And a great trilogy they have been - so sensitive and so well written.
Much appreciated, Michael. Difficult subject to write about!
Good write and a great anthem.
Thank you so much, Goldie.
A fine write with the three of them Louis.
I'm so glad you appreciated them, 'O'!
Well written and expressed
Thank you so much, Tony!
Welcome
Your perception of autism brought out in these lines is so moving to read Louis -- this affliction is so often misunderstood. Keeping this verse in my favourites dear friend.
I am honored, dear Fay, both by your comment and by the fact you made this a fav! This affliction is very personal to me, as I am on the fringes of it with Asperger's syndrome. It was an emotional write, and still stirs me every time I read it. Many thanks for your empathy!
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