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As the start of the school year quickly approaches, my mind is turning toward my little autistic friends at Harmony. Here’s a poem I wrote that gives you a glimpse into their world.<\/p>\n
A SONG FOR THE AUTISTIC SOUL<\/strong> The words struggle to pass your lips If only I could lure the words to my ears I slide a PECs book in front of you Sometimes you find the picture Other times, there is no adequate picture. I wrap you in my arms, holding your heart to mine, I sing to you, hoping to distract. As the start of the school year quickly approaches, my mind is turning toward my little autistic friends at Harmony. Here’s a poem I wrote that gives you a glimpse into their world. A SONG FOR THE AUTISTIC SOUL \u00a9Tami … Continue reading
\n\u00a9Tami Brumbaugh<\/p>\n
\nBut remain locked inside,
\nPrisoners behind a pearly white gate.
\nThoughts pile up
\nTripping over themselves
\nForcefully jammed into cardboard boxes in your mind.
\nShoved aside and collecting dust
\nUnopened
\nUnappreciated
\nWhen you just want to be Understood.<\/p>\n
\nTempting them with a wide smile
\nReleasing them from their stronghold
\nSo I could listen and respond.
\nInstead, silence.
\nMy eyes are blank,
\nNo spark of understanding.
\nWanting to relate, but clueless.<\/p>\n
\nLaminated pictures Velcroed to worn pages
\nI know it isn\u2019t enough
\nBut it\u2019s a start.
\nYou shuffle through the pictures
\nSearching for what you crave.<\/p>\n
\nApple
\nCheese
\nToy car
\nAt last our minds graze each other
\nThe tips of our thoughts connecting.
\nI honor your request.
\nYou smile
\nTemporarily content
\nAnd my soul soars.<\/p>\n
\nNothing illustrates your desire.
\nYou keep flipping through pages
\nOver and over and over.
\nStuck in the motion.
\nThe pounding in your brain intensifying
\nAs the words hurl themselves on closed doors
\nBegging for relief
\nAching for a response
\nYou can\u2019t reveal your thoughts and I can\u2019t relate.
\nShapeless screams erupt from deep within your turmoil.
\nHow did they break through the barrier
\nWhen words cannot?
\nYou slam the book to the floor
\nBlood boiling
\nAnd my soul sinks.<\/p>\n
\ntrying to impart peace
\nI rock you and whisper affirmations of safety
\nOne day it soothes your frustration, relaxing muscles
\nThe next, it aggravates you more, causing arms to flail.<\/p>\n
\nYou hum back, pitch perfect note for note.
\nI vary the tune
\nYou match it with ease, rich tones unbound to words,
\nIncomplete syllables that speak volumes.
\nWill music be the key that sets you free?
\nFull words still snag on sharp white guards
\nBut the pressure is siphoned.
\nHope brims as our eyes meet.
\nFor now we will savor our moment of connection
\nAnd sing a new song.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"