Hello, Stranger | Teen Ink

Hello, Stranger

August 25, 2021
By oliviav05 GOLD, Grand Blanc, Michigan
oliviav05 GOLD, Grand Blanc, Michigan
19 articles 0 photos 25 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela


Hello, stranger

Hiding from behind

A cash register

At the grocery store

You think I can’t see you

Staring

But I can

You think I can’t feel the judgment

Behind your eyes

But I can

You think I can’t hear the words you whisper

But I can


Because

I may be nonverbal

But I’m not deaf

Although sometimes

Your words

Make me wish I was


To you

I am

Unimportant

Stupid

Ugly


But

I’m not

And it doesn’t take a genius

To see your prejudice


So

I’ll just walk away

And pretend I saw nothing

Felt nothing

Heard nothing


But I did


Because

I am more

Than just

A defect


Hello, stranger

Or should I say

Grandpa

Uncle

Cousin

Every relative

I’ve ever known

You think I can’t see

The disappointment

When you look at me

But I can

You think I can’t feel

The indifference

When you stare

But I can

You think I can’t hear

The childish way you talk 

When I’m around

But I can


Because

I may be nonverbal

But I’m not deaf

Although sometimes

Your words

Make me wish I was


To you

I am

Everything

You never

Wanted


But

I’m not

And it doesn’t take a genius

To see your prejudice


So

I’ll just walk away

And pretend I saw nothing

Felt nothing

Heard nothing


But I did


Because

I am more

Than just

A defect


Hello, stranger

Grading my papers

From your scary desk

At that scary school

With those scary kids

You think I can’t see you

Staring

When I’m just working

But I can

You think I can’t feel the heat 

Of your harsh grading

Because I’m autistic and smart

But I can

You think I can’t hear

Your harsh comments

To other teachers

But I can


Because

I may be nonverbal

But I’m not deaf

Although sometimes

Your words

Make me wish I was


To you

I am

The problem

No teacher wants


But

I’m not

And it doesn’t take a genius

To see your prejudice


So

I’ll just walk away

And pretend I saw nothing

Felt nothing

Heard nothing


But I did


Because

I am more

Than just

A defect


Hello, mom

Dad

You understand, don’t you?

Why I look this way

Act this way

Learn this way

You understand

What triggers me

What doesn’t 

What I like

What I don’t

You understand

Because you know me

Not my “defect”


I may be different

But I’m still human

Although sometimes

Their actions

Make me hate

Who I really am


To you

I’m the child

You’ve always loved


And it doesn’t take a genius

To understand why


So

I’ll just walk away

And pretend I saw nothing

Felt nothing

Heard nothing


Because I know

What they can never understand

And I am more

Than just

A defect


The author's comments:

Recently, I worked at a camp for kids with autism. It really brought to light the discrimination these kids face on a daily basis just because of unfair societal standards. It's sad, especially since many people with autism are extremely bright. Writing this piece helped me to step into someone else's shoes and experience life from their perspective. It was a unique and interesting experience.


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