April

The posts online. Telling us to be kind. I am a year older, Awareness somehow feels colder. Every April we are surprised. By the people who are brave enough to rise. While others stay on the ground. Grimacing without a sound. They get a thrill from buying pins. But it makes me twinge. When we exchange pleasantries. Like we’ve done for centuries. I always have to say, How I’m doing ok. But I feel like a seal with a ball. The stereotypes, I juggle it all. My friend texted me today. Telling me about Autism Awareness Day. I know she’s kind, I know she tries. But if I told her, she’d think it’s a lie.