When I look at you what do I see
I see a boy, born to be free
Free from stares, or funny looks
Included in games or reading books
I see a boy, who plays alone
whether in school, or at his home
A boy who knows when to ask
even though, it can be quite a task
A boy born special, with words in his head
If only they’d come out of his mouth instead
A boy that is patient, handsome and kind
Yet all too often, we have to remind
those that don’t know you, or understand
non verbal is not the definition of you
There are many things that you can do
I see a boy, so clever and brave
inquisitive of mind, you don’t misbehave
I see a boy who gets frustrated and sad
Sometimes with the world you may feel mad
I see a boy who defies the odds
gets on with the challenge and carries the rods
I see the boy willing to learn
no matter the difficulty, knowledge you yearn
I see the boy watching and waiting
hoping the people will stop their berating
Not all people are born the same
I see the boy who will change the game
of life how we see it, being ‘normal’ and all
it depends on whether, you throw or catch the ball
Normal to you is to watch and observe
hoping someone will have the nerve
to stand beside you and see the boy
not the Autism, that’s just a decoy
Look beyond the stims and the unique ways
sit with him, make his day
I see the boy who doesn’t want to pretend
Like, you and I, he just wants a friend
Don’t be afraid to look inside
No need to ignore, walk away or hide
He is just a boy to be understood
His heart is full of all things good
He may be shy or a little afraid
but please don’t exclude him
ignorance is man made
I see a boy, who is often alone
like the heron waiting, yet he never moans
in silence he sits, amusing himself
The kindness you show him, is worth all the wealth
so please be ‘normal’ and show your good grace
it will be worth it, to see the smile on his face
What’s normal for you is different than mine
and kindness will win, time after time
for Joseph, with love……. (and everyone else on the spectrum)
Photo Authors own, taken by the River Slaney, Enniscorthy
© carrie sherbourne and Relay shun sips – itsjustnoteasy.com Blog, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carrie sherbourne and itsjustnoteasy.com Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content
