pieces of linda

I’ve been searching for poets whose work reflects the Autistic mind. Of course, I have Brian, but I wanted to find other perspectives as well. Yesterday, I finally discovered a site dedicated to revealing the Autistic mind. It is a Johns Hopkins site called Autism Netverse, and they feature both writing and visual art from people on the Autism spectrum.

Our mission at Autism Netverse is to provide and opportunity for individuals with autism to be heard.

We strive to increase the awareness of autism worldwide, inspire more individuals with autism to express themselves, and celebrate the literary and artistic work of individuals with autism.

I’ve had the privilege to correspond with Cindy Earnshaw, whose poem THE STUPID “Aspergers” resonated for me. She graciously gave me permission to reprint this poem for all of you. When I asked about a bio, she said, “I’m just Cindy.” Read the poem, and I’m sure you’ll agree she is much more than that. I have a suspicion that people with Asperger Syndrome tend to simplify their complexities for the rest of us, since there can often be a communication gap. Let’s reach out and get to know more of their perspective—for it is a beautiful, feeling one…I know that first hand!

THE STUPID
“Aspergers”
Cindy Earnshaw

when they first
notice me in the world
or perhaps
second
I have already been
too smart
all hope for me
destroyed
there’s
no point of possibility
with them
the truth will
forever sound of lying
from my
too-smart
lips
they will steer towards where
I have somehow always
been
and I
will search
and search again to know
their algebraic paths
my massive mind
monstrously mocking brilliant me
they’ll
mock me too
standing there ahead
of them
and groping back behind
all the while
disbelieved
there in
the stupid.

© Cindy Earnshaw