Fat Bottom Girl Said What

Different, Not Less

Some days

the world

and everything in it is too much

the way the tag in my shirt scrapes against my neck

and I don’t like these stupid buttons on my shirt

and the bump in my sock rubs against my toe

and sights and sounds and colors bombard me

so I scream and lash out because I can’t take it anymore

but all the people around me in this Target see is a tantrum

and they think maybe I’m just an overindulged kid who didn’t get their way

and under their breath they tell my parents to “get control of me”

and that I just need “a good old spanking”

but that’s not it and they don’t know I have this thing called autism

and I’m just trying to find the place within myself

where I can go and be okay again

and this is the only way I know how to do it

because I can’t get the words out to tell you how I feel

and even if I did they wouldn’t make sense to other people’s ears

so I rock because it calms me

even though it makes everyone in the store stop and stare

and my mom and my dad and I just want you to know

that I’m different not less

and if you’d take some time to get to know me

we’re all an awful lot alike inside

we just view the world differently

 

*I have special people in my life whose children have been diagnosed with autism, and I admire their strength, and spirit, and stamina daily. This is for them and their children. I hope I got it right. Much love to you!*