LJ/DW Idol, Week 7

 Week 7: Hikikomori

 

Locked away

hidden in plain sight

not her choice

being alone in a crowd

filled with 

chatter, squeaky sneakers, slamming lockers, morning announcements, laughter, hugs, high-fives, and “How was your summers?”

 

No one knows what she

wants,

likes,

needs,

notices

or hopes for.

She’s alone

in her head,

and that’s nobody’s fault,

except Mother Nature’s

because she was given a 47th chromosome;

isolating her,

confusing her,

overwhelming her,

creating a one-child island.

 

We have pictures,

flash cards,

a talk box,

support staff

and above all

hope.

 

Hope for giving this sweet, yet befuddled 12-year-old

clarity and confidence,

bravery and balance,

comity and communication,

affability and accord

positivity

and

peace.

 

This year,

and possibly more,

she is one of mine

to nurture, teach and assist

so that she can live her best life

and find connections

have choices

and grow strong.
 

She doesn’t have to exist alone.