avatarKeira Fulton-Lees

Summary

"Open-Eyed" is a poem that delves into the sensory and social challenges faced by an individual with autism, juxtaposing the stark reality of their experiences with a sense of resilience and self-acceptance.

Abstract

The poem "Open-Eyed" by Keira Fulton-Lees presents a poignant exploration of the internal and external struggles associated with autism. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poet conveys the overwhelming sensory experiences and the difficulty in social interactions, such as feeling aimless, anxious, and disconnected from others. Despite these challenges, the poem also reflects a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, as the speaker acknowledges their place among "The Mighty" and embraces their unique position on the autism spectrum. The narrative weaves through feelings of isolation and the courage to navigate a world not designed for neurodiversity, ultimately arriving at a place of self-acceptance and determination to persevere.

Opinions

  • The poet expresses a profound sense of disorientation and sensory overload in everyday environments, highlighting the struggle to process and integrate stimuli.
  • There is a palpable sense of loneliness and the difficulty of forming connections, suggesting that despite being surrounded by people, the speaker feels fundamentally alone.
  • The poem conveys an internal battle between the need for solitude and the desire for companionship, illustrating the complex emotional landscape of someone with autism.
  • The speaker acknowledges their differences and the societal misunderstanding they face but also asserts their strength and resilience in the face of these challenges.
  • The poem suggests that the speaker, while feeling out of place in the broader society, has found a sense of belonging and community within the autism spectrum and advocacy groups like "The Mighty."
  • The repeated phrase "Open-eyed" serves as a motif for both the vulnerability and the clarity that comes with facing the world with autism, emphasizing an unflinching awareness of both the beauty and the hardships of their experience.

Open-Eyed

Poetry of Autism ∙ A Poem About the Challenges of Autism Sensory Integration and Processing

Photo by Tero Vesalainen / shutterstock.com

Open-Eyed

Open-eyed, I wander aimless In elusive clarity Yet, beneath the brilliant daylight I count each possibility

Open-eyed, I see the nameless In crowded corridors Yet, my eyes can barely see them I shade to then avoid

Open-eyed, I am helpless In pained anxiety Yet, my eyes will never meet yours I look, but just don’t see

Open-eyed, I seem needless Internal, it lives in me Yet, too much is consuming I freeze instantly

Open-eyed, I am friendless In quiet solitude Yet, learned of befriending I lack the fortitude

Open-eyed, I find it pointless In emptied apathy Yet, living for one moment I know I will not see

Open-eyed, I am harmless In spite of oddities Yet, still you walk past me I am one in a sea

Open-eyed, I am fearless Enbravened sheepishly Yet, in spite of when I falter I mend the leaking seams

Open-eyed, aware it’s endless In a place I don’t belong Yet, I am among The Mighty I own the spectrum I live on

-= Keira Fulton-Lees, As.D. =- Circular Words ©AraN Outer Logo by Author Inner Image by fliegenwulf / shutterstock.com

Originally published at https://www.artfullyautistic.com on November 6, 2019.

Poetry
Mental Health
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