Caged Owl

April is Autism Awareness Month

So much to say, 

But your words are too limited. 

I watch you struggle to express yourself

In an alien world.

You try games and babble to express yourself.

Sometimes it works, 

And sometimes it doesn't.

Sometimes these struggles

Flip your happy mood 360 degrees.

When you are happy,

You are a Hershey Kiss.

You're so curious and imaginative.

You love to learn and cuddle, 

And I love to teach and hug you.

 

You are the caged owl trying to escape, 

But the cage keeps you from flying. 

You are the smartest in the class,

But it doesn't always show

Because the words can't come out.

When the words come, 

Your genius shines through. 

You can sing The Itsy Bitsy Spider on your own,

You can spell, and 

You know your numbers and colors!

You are the daisy in my day.

If only other people understood that. 

You see the world differently, 

But it doesn't make it wrong.

Author's Note

I work at a daycare (with the one and two year olds), and this is dedicated to (and inspired by) a beautiful little girl with autism. She's getting so much better though! :-)

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Reviews

[Bailey C. Writing]

Oh Julia this was fantastic :)
I bet you're such a good teacher/friend to her!
I like "you are the daisy in my day", what a cute line :) And I like the comparison, the caged owl...
Excellent write here!