layered shirts, cut-

off jean

shorts,

and neon, knee-

high socks. I was

picked

on. please

include

me.

 

“No, your annoying.”

 

what?

is it my fault

they don't want me

around? they

told me I

was annoying,

then at

17,

 

I learnt I have autism.

does that protect me,

or justify them,

in treating me different?

 

No,

it does not. quite

the opposite, since I’m

great. they are

the ones missing years

of hard work and growth that I

did on my own.

 

wish it

weren’t so bitter-

sweet, but now

who’s awarded with time and care

from someone whose special interest

is to care?

 

Danny,

the only 2-

dimensional figure

willing to tear his outline

from the canvas and

ask me to be

included.