Dear Brother

Autism, Is not a damnation to fail
And you are beautiful
Don't tell me it matters what you comprehend
You are a work of art

It's the very sky you see
The very world you have created
I watch you play
In your room on the mud stained carpet

Each stain Its own land for ships to land on
Your hands climb in the air
Your voice reaching a Godly timbre
Only you grieve the losses

And only you rejoice the victories
Only you look to your sky
And see dragons and clouds
Only you command your knights

And sly around like Robin and his men
Only you steal from the rich
But it is you who give to me, the poor
And it is in this

I see a little glimpse of your fantastic world
You send your knights from your sky to mine
Only shadows, they may be
But they are still just as blinding

I live for the day you'll paint me a picture
And I'll see castles and moats
and far off ships in the sky
Maybe your fairies are different from mine

And maybe your world so much more tangible
But you are gifted
You create colors and grand buildings
You Arm yourself with weapons of unimaginable force

You save villagers from pillaging giants
And damsels from witches
And princes from curses
You are the hidden guide on the shoulder of prophets

You are the voice of all reason
Even if it's your reason alone
You are the hands that hold the babe
You are the heart that beats under the feet of marching men

You are the flowers and wind of your forest
From your sky to mine you spread your happiness
And slowly my world becomes more magical
And Autism is the creation of worlds

That we fair fools would only be so lucky to see
So maybe you won't hold a job
Live on your own and populate
or maybe you will

But don't feel the pressure you're too good for that
For you will contribute in ways far richer
Far more valuable than any other human being ever will
You are untouchable

And your greatness will never be spoiled
So from one sky to another
From my knights to yours
I wish you good luck

So keep on playing
On your stained bed room floor
Know I'll be watching
And waiting

For that small glimpse of your fragile world

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Beautifully written, I found your letter to your brother very moving. There needs to be far more understanding of people who have disabilities. Our world is big enough for everyone, we just have to be more understanding, tolerant and patient. Thank you for sharing.