Read Kevin McLoughlin's Poem 'Look At Me Now'.

Kevin McLoughlin: ‘Look At Me Now’

Kevin McLoughlin is a member of our Youth Leadership Team and is currently completing his Leaving Certificate.

In a collection of poems that he has written, Kevin provides a uniquely personal insight into growing up in today’s Ireland as both a young and autistic person. In this particular piece, he explores self-expectations and reflects on his own journey about defying the limits commonly associated with autism.

LOOK AT ME NOW

When I was a boy

My teacher called in my parents

It was a meeting about my future,

I was eight years old

This teacher had come to the conclusion

I should live my life, stacking shelves and packing boxes

My parents disillusion was when they asked her to explain

My teacher continued

My language was underperforming

My logic was too basic

My performance was just sub par

To this teacher

LOOK AT ME NOW

Every word, a repression of an entire population

I translate for those who cannot communicate

I articulate for those society subjugates

I am the one who has spoken for those you labelled broken

LOOK
AT
ME
NOW

This is one individual’s opinion and experience. It does not necessarily reflect AsIAm’s views and positions as an organisation. If you’d like to blog for AsIAm.ie, get in touch by emailing gaibhin@asiam.ie.

FURTHER INFORMATION FROM ASIAM.IE

YouthHub

Youth Leadership Team

by AsIAm.ie - 4 October, 2017

Last updated by AsIAm.ie - October 4, 2017

in Advocacy, Blog, Featured News, Kevin McLoughlin

Can this be improved? Contact webeditor@asiam.ie if you have any suggestions for this article.

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