Different Enough by Caitlin

Guest post by Caitlin Wray of Welcome to Normal

Last year as part of her First Things First series, Hartley ran a post by Jennie Linthorst, who teaches poetry therapy, and is the wife of Eric Linthorst, maker of the acclaimed film Autistic-like. In her post, Jennie encouraged parents to "write it down" and explore their complex feelings through poetry.

Once upon a time, in what seems like the life of another woman, I was a "real" writer - short stories, poetry, and an abiding faith that I would indeed one day write the next great Canadian novel. Life took me on a different path... but I always believed I would find my way back to it.

A few weeks ago I was having one of those days when I am really struck by how much Simon's "invisible disabilities" position him to have the best and worst of both worlds; people expect him to be "normal" and yet it is an impossible order for him. The words that started to form in my mind, weren't really coherent thoughts or even complete sentences. They were more like... a poem.

So here is a poem that shares my perspective on who my young son is right now. And in writing it, perhaps I've taken a small step toward finding my way back to who I really am...


Different Enough

Different enough

to feel like an alien.

Same enough

To bleed red.

Different enough

To be hurt by your touch.

Same enough

To crave it.

Different enough

To get tongue tied.

Same enough

To have something to say.

Different enough

To be awkward.

Same enough

To know it.

Different enough

To struggle with standards.

Same enough

To be held to them.

Different enough

To garner their stares.

Same enough

To notice them.

Different enough

To be an outsider.

Same enough

To want in.