Not A Word. Poem by Carita Blodgett

My daughter has autism
And you may find this absurd
I have this perfect child
Who speaks not a word
I know this perfect face
I tell her “mom loves you”
As she stares off into space
Though I know she understood what she’s heard
She cuddles up close but still speaks not a word.
She lives in a world very different from mine
We need to open this window
We don’t have much time.
I watch her play in her own magical land
I want to come too, I’m trying to understand
She’s showing me something, taking my hand
“What would you like baby? ”
She has her own agenda planned
Trying to tell me something I just don’t see
“use your pictures honey”
You can do it! Come on speak to me
Frustrated now she will be heard
Loud and clear but still not a word.