LJ/DW Idol, Week 7

[adoptedwriter]

 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.

Comments

[shirebound]

This is WONDERFUL.

a one-child island... I've never seen it described better.

[chasing_silver]

I'm so glad we get to work with these kiddos! It is really rewarding when they come out of their shells.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks! Me too!

[fausts_dream]

This Rocks!!

Were you trained in internal rhyme schemes and alliteration or do you do it instinctively.

Either way, good show.

[adoptedwriter]

Part and part. I’ve sat in on tons of English/Language Arts classes over the years between my schooling and helping others. 😀 Thanks!

[xeena]

This is great! I love your rhyme schemes and a one child island really describes it so well. So much emption in this!

[adoptedwriter]

😊 Thank you!

[mollywheezy]

This was beautiful!!! It's so hard to be different, especially for a child.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks so much! 😀

[roina_arwen]

This is beautifully written. I'm glad she has you to help nurture her abilities.

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks Ro!😀

[muchtooarrogant]

The school environment is so challenging for a lot of kids to deal with, and you've expressed that beautifully here.

Dan

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks Dan!😀

[static_abyss]

I'm so glad that the kids have you to help them on their journeys. I work with people who developmental disabilities and I know firsthand the change that a dedicated, caring person can have on their lives.

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you! It's a fascinating experience.

[halfshellvenus]

"A one-child island" is exactly what it must feel like. Nobody else can fully understand what they're thinking and feeling. The isolation must feel so lonely. :(

[adoptedwriter]

and it is heart-breaking that some of these kids have the awareness to know they are separated from others, even when sitting side by side in the lunchroom. What I don't know yet is if my particular student understands this or does she think this is how it's always been, so it's "normal".

[bleodswean]

Awwww. Yes to this and yes to you and yes to a life filled with hope!

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you so much!

[alycewilson]

I'm always impressed with what you do and how you manage to reach out to people like her. It must be a challenge!

[adoptedwriter]

Thanks, Alyce! It is indeed a challenge. Luckily I work w very supportive colleagues.

[pixiebelle]

The language and the way you use words here is beautiful. Love this.

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you so much Kristen!

[inkstainedfingertips]

creating a one-child island.

This image really stood out to me. It's beautiful and poignant. You paint an incredibly vivid picture of sadness and ye resilience with your words. Really well done.

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you!😊

[rayaso]

Like the others, I found "a one-child island" to be very impressive and really encapsulates the isolation a child can feel, especially if different in any way. The entire second stanza is also impressive. Great use of the prompt.

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you!😊

[murielle]

This is so perfectly crafted to convey what she must feel like, what she needs, and what is hoped for her.

Brava! Well done!

[adoptedwriter]

Thank you, Murielle!