I am special

The subject here is not a single child rather a union of all children with special needs, taking a different role in each stanza. He is an autistic child in the first stanza. Autism is a brain development disorder, which impairs a child's commincation skills. Autistic children usually tend to behave repititiely and obsessively, stack or line things (toys) up, avoid eye contact, become loners. Autism is the # 1 pediatric illness today. According to current statistics, 1 in every 166 children is autistic. Autism is curable with the right kind of awareness, diagnosis and help.

In the second stanza, the subject is a dyslexic child. Dyslexia is a learning disability, that manifests primarily as a difficulty with written language, particularly with reading and spelling. Dyslexic children usually have trouble recognizing patterns, they usually confuse "b" with "d" or "saw" with "was", or cannot recognize phonetics, thus unable to spell correctly. Mostly dyslexic children are very disorganized. Dyslexia can also be treated with appropriate efforts.

In the third stanza, the subject is a chld suffering from selective mutism. This behavioural pattern causes a child to fear social interaction. They only feel secure when they have a few familiar faces (usually from family) around. Seletively mute children usually stand still when talked to in such situations, and donot react or answer at all. At times, they can even show signs of phyical illness, under extreme insecurity and pressure. Selective mutism can also be cured. 

In the fourth stanza, the subject is talking on behalf of all these children.....

Just a little effort can go a long way to help these little ones lead a normal life. We just need to understand what those little eyes are trying to tell us, and stretch out a helping hand....

I am special

I open my eyes; a new old day begins.

Another battle to sustain, to convey mundane things.

Another stack of emotions, another game of routine.

Another fumble to express what I mean.

Make me stand on your feet, take me places.

So one day, I can walk, if not run, in these races.

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I turn the page, I start struggling.

But the key to success is overwhelming.

Everything's topsy-turvy, at times, beyond a mirror.

I need to catch hold, and put all back in gear.

Hold my hand and help me tame

the building blocks that make up this game.

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I'm standing alone in a sea of faces.

My eyes probe you, I end up in empty spaces.

I dare not say, I dare not answer.

Your absence eats up on my nerves like a cancer.

Stay with me, until I'm braced

to face this world alone, and take a taste.

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A hidden wail in the silence.

A silent yearn for resilience.

Lend me a hand, let's paint the town red.

Let's live up all dreams, before I go to bed.

Love is the medicine, that offers all cures.

This world is mine, as much as yours.

Only an angel in guise to lead.

I shall shine too, I shall succeed.