Blue Zebras

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Wed, 04 Apr 2012
  • 2881 reads
14 comments
 

He could turn a grey day into a sparkling one,
by just glancing at me with those eyes of his
like ‘chocolate delight’, and that grin –
equalled the sun coming up. Then again,
he could conjure up a summer squall
from out of nowhere; a sudden
tantrum about nothing much at all;

could make superlative mud-pies.
and paint pictures of blue zebras –
minus stripes...Could do most things
he set his mind to...anything but speak.
I’d take him on my knee, try and get him
to repeat after me...’apple’, ‘bird’, ‘tree’,
even his name, but I guess ‘Barnaby’
is a bit of a mouthful, if you’re only three.

And then he’d give me that look –
said I was wasting my time – jump off
my lap; go running upstairs, like a puppy,
shunning the leash...a kite – its string...
a colt – the bit between its teeth...Back
to his world of dinosaurs, dinky-toys,
and demons, where make-believe
was the last word in freedom.

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Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Tantalizing! a lovely description of the friendliness and intelligence of a little child, who seems reluctant to commuicate by speech. Did he get over that? Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Hi there, Rhiannon;-) Yes, he did kind of get over it...my grandson, that is. He's now sixteen, and plans to go to Cambridge to read Philosophy. Life for him hasn't been all roses, as he borders on what is termed as 'autism'. He was never labelled though, and has overcome many battles. Even now he has great difficulty in telling the time, and things like tying his shoe-laces he finds almost impossible. And yet, ask him what a black-hole is, or to explain Einstein's Theory of Relativity, and he is in his element. His social skills too have greatly improved, but it's still something he finds a challenge. Many thanks for your lovely comment. More than appreciated;-) Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Good afternoon Tina, I just wanted to say Aaaahhh! when I read this, so typical of a young child, their attention span is so short at three years old. Loved the bit at the end, where you said he went back to his world of dinosaurs, dinky-toys, and demons, where make-believe was the last word in freedom. Reminded me a bit of myself at that age, living in a make believe world. Definitely a charmed poem. Jenny.

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, Jenny;-) As I have just explained to Rhiannon, the poem is about my grandson, who is now sixteen. He has come a long way in those thirteen years, and I am so proud of him. Pleased you enjoyed. Tina

 

Submitted by jolono on
Yep, had me from the word go!

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Pleased you thought so, and I really do appreciate you letting me know;-) Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on
Hullo, Tina, it is good to hear of his efforts and progress. It is interesting how differently the condition affects different people/children. My youngest son has appeared to struggle with Asperger syndrome, though not firmly diagnosed, and had a lot of social difficulties, which he has largely overcome, and has less of a tendency to lecture people now in an effort to 'get in' to the conversation. He has managed at university (many people encouraging) studying composition, and has improved somewhat on his tendency to lose things constantly! I did a piece some time ago http://www.abctales.com/story/rhiannonw/looking-back-supporting-child-as...

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Hi there, Rhiannon. Firstly many thanks for your comment, and secondly for giving me the link to your amazing poem. Many of the things you mention were so close to home for me, and I am so pleased your son has done so well for himself. Likewise, we have high hopes for my grandson, and as you say, encouragement is so important. I wish your son well in all his brave ventures. Tina

 

Submitted by threeleafshamrock on
Not only lovely but TRUE! Can't wait to start again with my grandson...ahhh, there is a heaven :D Chris xx

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Enjoy your grandson, Chris...as you are more than aware, I am sure, they grow up too quickly;-) Tina xxx

 

Submitted by sid on
Just came back to this one, to read it aloud to a friend whose three year old son is in the process of being 'labelled' autistic. She's always known he was different, and a very late talker, but she didn't really see it as a problem as he is a lovely, happy child. Now, however, he has started nursery, and after noticing his reticence they are very keen to start prodding and testing and labelling. My friend is less than happy about this, though of course we realise that in the future a positive diagnosis will prove helpful. Your poem so beautifully describes this syndrome, which is both a gift and a curse. I also read out your comment about the young man this little boy grew into, about his wonderful prospects and talents. Your poem achieved something great, my friend was touched, uplifted, filled with positivity and hope at your words. Thankyou!

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
As a matter of fact, sid, I have just had dinner with that same young man, and afterwards, he delighted all the family with a reading of the 'The Rape of the Loch' by Alexander Pope, whilst accompanying himself on guitar...not his I hasten to add, but his auntie's. He'd never played before in his life, but he made a jolly good effort, and it was an evening not to be forgotten. Seeing how his confidence has grown in a social situation such as this, is totally heartwarming. I wish your friend's son every success in life, and I was so very touched by your words and also by the fact that you took the trouble to relate this wonderful story to me. Thank you so very much, and today of all days, I would have to reitterate that God sure does move in mysterious ways;-) Tina

 

Submitted by sid on
Here we have, boiled down and condensed into its most basic form, the universal beauty of poetry- the ability to make people feel. You are truly gifted; my friend and I will cherish this lovely poem for a long time to come, as a harbinger of future joys. Best wishes to you and yours xxx

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Thanks, sid...so very much;-)xxx