Autistic Autonomy
A Poem on existing
There are thoughts piling in my mind,
even when my words don't escape in hasty breaths.
I've lived so many lives in just one body
only to be looked over as if my life was ended by a dozen deaths.
I'm buried in shame as I watch their conversations dance over me,
they talk in circles around me as if I'm merely an object.
I'm never seen as valued as the people who surround me,
and people often look at them with pity like I'm some tedious science subject.
I'm screaming into the void but my mouth is covered in cling wrap,
I'm swallowing sentences knowing my words won't impact anyone.
They're too concerned with what the "normal" folks around me might say,
so I wonder why I even try to give myself an identity when I'm made to feel like no one.
So I find other ways to explain myself and express my needs.
I sign until my joints ache and write until my skin bleeds.
I type my words on social media, and paint them with acrylics.
I spell them out in many languages, whatever the world needs.
Whatever people need to see I am my own person, no matter how silent I may seem.
I am my own individual, one who thinks thoughts and is able to dream.
About the Creator
Josey Pickering
Autistic, non-binary, queer horror nerd with a lot to say.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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More stories from Josey Pickering and writers in Poets and other communities.
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By Lisa VanGalen5 days ago in Fiction
Comments (27)
This poem beautifully conveys the struggle of feeling unheard and overlooked, despite having a rich inner world. The emotions and experiences described here are something many can relate to, and the way you've expressed them is both powerful and relatable. Your words touch on the universal desire to be seen and understood, and they highlight the strength and determination to find alternative ways to communicate and assert your identity. It's a reminder that our uniqueness and individuality are worth celebrating, even when others may not always recognize it. Your creativity and resilience in finding various means to express yourself are truly inspiring. It's a testament to your spirit and the depth of your inner world. Keep sharing your voice and experiences with the world, as your words can resonate with many and create a sense of shared understanding and connection among us all. 🌟
Nice work ❤️ I’m new here hope my stories are good 😊
This is very powerful. I’m gonna share this on my pages because people need to hear this. Unless you are an especially “woke” person it’s easy to forget that those who don’t have voices around us have indeed their own thoughts and feelings and opinions. I’ve always had a point of view that autistic people are the ones closest to God. I feel like they are so much more connected to the infinite connections of the universe than “normal” people, and that is why they have this “disability.” I hope this poem goes VIRAL.
Congrats and I love it! ❤️❤️❤️
This was absolutely beautiful! It was so valuable for me to read your viewpoint. You’ve done a fantastic job of shining light on your experiences in a way that is vivid and emotional. I’m really blown away!
Love this poem! Congrats on TS!
Embrace yourself!
Beautifully articulated 🤍 Congratulations on top story!
I know the feeling...
I feel this deeply. Really well done, congrats on the top story
This is beautiful, and very well written. Remember you are always worth your voice, no matter what difficulties you experience. You are still human, and this poem is worth so much more than you think. Well done!
This is definitely your medium! Please, keep writing!
👏👏From a fellow autistic person, I fully relate! Very well written and very deep.
Thanks for communicating with us through poetry, Josey. Your words are seen and felt deeply! I especially love this line: "I've lived so many lives in just one body" what a profound, moving expression.
Well written clear and emotional Congratulations
Awesome!!! Perfectly expressed!!! Congratulations on Top Story too!!!
Terrific Top Story🎉🌟😉💯📝✌️♥️Congratulations🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Nice poem!!
And please, go on bringing yourself.
Great poem! Relatable!
I have an autistic son so this hits home for me and my family, I love your expressions here and how you make the reader feel this suffocating feeling, you really created such an intense and evocative poem!!
Fellow Autistic here! I love it
Congratulations on achieving top story status! ❤👌👍
Very nicely done. Your words are powerful.
This was very relatable as I'm autistic too. Loved your poem!