Poems Archives - Spectrum Women

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POEM by Lennée Reid

July 28, 2017 Spectrum Women

Say I’m sensitive. Do not enlighten people with neurology 101 or explain how I feel sound like whispers are feathers and pow wows are heart beats and a dog squealing in pain stings like needles. Say I meditate. Don’t say transcendence is one of your hobbies. No one knows what a zen master actually does anyway. Be general and vague. Say I’m a walking encyclopedia a treasure trove of information knowledgeable well read observant. Do not hint that I download skills like Neo in the Matrix. Say you’re a geek or a nerd. Briefly people will think of Bill Nye […]

Autism April

Pieces of April… Peace of April (Poem) — Christine Jenkins

April 16, 2017 Spectrum Women

Every spring the showers start Fresh ideas tumble from my mind and heart Like a basket of mewling kittens I turn each one over with care Make sure they are alive and well I’m tired of the autism war — of the name calling; of the taking sides; of fighting over funding; of folk assuming the autistic one I love is not me I’m sad it took five decades to find my identity How I must compete to be the worst victim To qualify for supports I’m not ageing out; I’m ageing out of sight. Orphaned by the death of […]

Autism April

Dear Pinocchio Child (Poem) – Margo Comeau

April 6, 2017 Spectrum Women

Do not be afraid of this lullaby Hush hush, none can promise you peace soon No, not even a shoulder when you cry That growing nose won’t teach you how to tune In their own ways, everything is strange I know, I know, they say that you’re different Misunderstood love, please don’t ever change In different ways, we’re all ignorant In your eyes, everything is absurd A saving grace to keep you entertained How star-crossed you are from the herd You’ve got no strings to hold you down, unchained When you wish upon a star to be real Pleasure Island […]

Autism April

Let Me Make You Aware (poem) by Jen Elcheson (Content warning: bullying)

April 2, 2017 Spectrum Women

Content warning: bullying A distressed young child held down to a chair They say he’s “just being a brat” They clearly don’t care The teen they think is too shy to speak Is aware they are different And may be more powerful than meek The adult struggling to find lasting work Is discriminated against Over their many ‘weird’ quirks We may not always look others in the eye When I see it being forced I grumble and sigh Others laugh when we flinch from noise or touch Not understanding Overstimulation can be too much They say our behaviours are […]