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On the Outside Looking In

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All alone in the playground Desperate to join in … But you don’t understand me Because I’m autistic You call me names and think I’m weird I find social situations confusing Don’t know what to say or how to join in It’s so difficult for me to interact with other people Oh how I’d love to play with other children… They look like they are having so much fun I’d really love to have a friend… I’m so so lonely But you treat me like I’m invisible Contest Being Invisible #2 Sponsored by SKAT 04~27~16 I’ve worked with autistic students and many struggle so much with social situations and they are often very lonely – it really is heartbreaking to see them. The image of the ghost like girl made me think of some I worked with

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Constance La France

Date: 5/9/2016 4:16:00 PM

Jan, congrats on your win with this emotional and skillfully written poem

Paul Callus

Date: 5/9/2016 11:28:00 AM

It's always a pleasure to come back with congratulations, Jan:) Well done on yet another deserved win! hugs // paul

Joseph May

Date: 5/9/2016 9:17:00 AM

Congrats on your win Jan

Teddy Kimathi

Date: 5/9/2016 5:33:00 AM

Hard to imagine what most kids go through, who normally have health conditions that compromise their social confidence.... Well, congrats Jan, for your WIN with this great piece!! ;-)

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 5/8/2016 6:43:00 PM

jan, Congratulations on your win. Always ~LINDA~

Skat A

Date: 5/8/2016 5:01:00 PM

jan, Congratulations on your awesome win. Stop by and enjoy my latest blog, "American Dream." if you'd like. Hope you are enjoying your day. Happy Mother's Day **SKAT**

Arthur Vaso

Date: 5/1/2016 11:26:00 AM

Wow, this is so touching Jan, and wonderful that make people aware, my heart goes out to CayCay, I know when a poem that touches so close our emotions and situation, is sometimes very hard to read. Hugs to you both!

Caycay Jennings

Date: 4/29/2016 12:13:00 PM

I couldn't get thru it. I know its good, but because it is good, I can't go there right now. I live the content in many ways with my son so I feel it and by no means am I dismissing it. There are so many levels to autism, I have known many who are not at all even aware of others. Later, I may come back. Don't be mad with me??? CayCay

Jan Allison
Date: 4/29/2016 4:19:00 PM

Thanks for the comment Caycay I just wish more people were a little more aware of people on the autistic spectrum and the problems they have to encounter every day - things we take for granted they struggle with so much. Drop by any time my friend:-) hugs Jan xx

Michael Whatley

Date: 4/29/2016 9:13:00 AM

Heartbreaking piece indeed, Jan. Very well expressed. Hopefully awareness and understanding can continue to spread...

Jan Allison
Date: 4/29/2016 10:41:00 AM

I hope I can spread the message how difficult it can be for someone living with autism:-( hugs Jan xx

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/28/2016 8:32:00 PM

Yes, they are often alone but i am not sure they are necessarily lonely. I know my daughter's autistic son prefers to be by himself. But i bet others do wish they had more friends. It was cool how you thought outside the box for this contest, jan.

Jan Allison
Date: 4/29/2016 2:47:00 AM

Not sure if it is what Skat is after but I have no control over what I write and it is something that is close to my heart:-) hugs Jan xx

Joseph May

Date: 4/28/2016 11:38:00 AM

You touch up on a topic that engenders many emotions... most of them sad...Strong write Jan..

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 11:52:00 AM

Thanks Joseph your comment means a great deal:-) hugs jan xx

Paul Callus

Date: 4/28/2016 8:54:00 AM

You highlight this condition through first hand contact-experience. Very well tackled, Jan. In all my years of teaching I only had a couple of students who suffered from autism; social interaction is one of the main 'problems'. hugs // paul

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 9:49:00 AM

Thanks Paul - I guess we are more aware hence the reason more people are diagnosed with the condition:-) hugs Jan xx

Lin Lane

Date: 4/28/2016 7:54:00 AM

Autistic children and adults have feelings and emotions like we all do. It hurts my heart to think about how often they must think exactly the way you so lovingly express in your verses, Jan.

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 9:48:00 AM

Thanks for the lovely comment Lin - I'm just trying to raise awareness of the problems they face Lin:-) hugs Jan xx

Ravi Sathasivam

Date: 4/28/2016 6:32:00 AM

Excellent. Written with very sensitively. Enjoyed reading it. All the best for the contest.

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 6:43:00 AM

thanks so much Ravi:-) hugs Jan xx

Barry Stebbings

Date: 4/28/2016 6:28:00 AM

I too have worked with autistic people and it always saddens me that their difficulty is confused with intelligence. Well written Jan.

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 6:42:00 AM

Thanks Barry - it is written from the heart and I do hope Skat likes my take on the theme:-) hugs jan xx

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 4/28/2016 5:11:00 AM

A highly sensitive poem that draws attention to a poignant social and humanitarian problem! Congratulations for bringing it up dear, Jan. God bless you for that! A seven times seven!

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 6:21:00 AM

Thanks so much Demetrios for your lovely comment:-) hugs Jan xx

Brian Strand

Date: 4/28/2016 2:56:00 AM

Thank you Jan for your kind words,have a good day in this lovely(but ) cold English Spring sunshine.rgds Brian

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 2:59:00 AM

We have snow on the mountain lol had hail sun rain wind - you name it - ... can't wait for the 2 days of British summer lol:-) hugs Jan xx

Wilfred Aniagyei

Date: 4/28/2016 2:11:00 AM

Mentally stimulating ....nice write, Jan!

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 2:12:00 AM

Thanks Wilfred I hope Skat likes my take on the theme:-) hugs Jan xx

Lewis Raynes

Date: 4/27/2016 11:43:00 PM

beautiful write Jan, good luck in the contest :)

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 1:53:00 AM

Thanks Lewis:-) hugs Jan xx

Ilene Bauer

Date: 4/27/2016 8:25:00 PM

you've captured this situation so well here, jan. it is so sad and frustrating to be different and not be understood by others...

Jan Allison
Date: 4/28/2016 1:52:00 AM

Thanks Ilene my heart goes out to them - I just wish people could be more understanding in general and accepting of others it would make the world a much nicer place.:-) hugs jan xx

Matthew Anish

Date: 4/27/2016 5:43:00 PM

This work touched me deeply because my 30 year old nephew is severely autistic. He is loved by his family members - including me. You express the situation of such people very well in this fine work. Peace & Love Matthew Anish

Jan Allison
Date: 4/27/2016 5:47:00 PM

Thanks Matthew - thankfully so much more is done to help these children learn social skills but people really do not seem to understand what a struggle their everyday life is - situations we take for granted they find totally overwhelming especially if there is a change to their normal routine:-( hugs jan xx