Gravity by Alysia Butler
I am stuck
Buried under the weight
Of unwashed laundry, unpaid bills, and
Unmet obligations.
I can’t breathe
Smothered by the pain
Crushed by the special needs mother that I have become
Versus the mother I thought I would be.
I can’t move
Held down by incompetence
Trying to do everything for everyone
Accomplishing nothing.
And then…
I see my boys
Giggling, tumbling, playing
Like siblings should.
I am weightless
Lifted by their laughter
Buoyed by their love
Ready to take on another day.
**********
After reading Autism disrupted: A Mother’s Journey of Hope, something inside me stirred. …continue reading
“I was told to keep it a secret-
something might be wrong
with my child.
I was told to wait for the assessment
before we exposed our fears,
exposed the nightmares
unfolding in our minds.” excerpt from “All I Have To Be” by Jennie Linthorst
When I was asked to review the book of poetry Autism disrupted: A Mother’s Journey of Hope from Jennie Linthorst, I was honored to say the least. But I was also nervous. The last time I read a book of poetry was my sophomore year in college, which was longer ago than I care to admit. So when the book came in the mail, I figured I’d read a few poems and let them sink in.
I read the book cover to cover in one sitting.
I know it’s cliché to say that Jennie’s words moved me. And I know it’s even more cliché to say that these poems changed my life. But if you know me, you know I don’t speak cliché.
The book wasn’t just a collection of Jennie’s poems. They told a story. Her story. One that was just like mine. …continue reading
