Each day I come in
and don my white apron
smile, and polite greetings
I step to the demons
and grit my broken teeth
leave them seething
each day I make change
empty powder-covered trays
and laugh at Mary’s favorite team
and their horrible receivers
I step to the establishment
and stab them in the face
out of shy autistics I make believers
every tip received
and check cashed
shows them how far I’ve come
I’ve aged pretty fast
not in years, really
but in confidence
in determination
and in courage
I don’t carry a chip on these shoulders
I carry the dead of Mount Everest
and quiet should your expectations stay
lest you trigger my sensitivity
and cause me to uncloak
the dreaded focus and commitment
that the profession continues to revoke
I work for my family
my autistic family
the ones with moths on their web pages
and female warriors, too
“Aspergian’s can’t work in customer service”
if only you knew
that I do it
to prove you wrong
I dance to the beat of my hand-flapping
foot-tapping
tell-tale autistic drum
and marching in the opposite direction
eventually gets you noticed
and soon others are eager
to sing along
I am an aspie, too, devereaux.
And, I can attest, that indeed, aspergian’s do thrive in customer service, contrary to ignorant beliefs that we are somehow “less than” or limited. We are no more limited than those with other “limitations.”
I’ve just been introduced to your work today. I look forward to more to come. You’re unstoppable, sir. π
In case you’re so inclined…the poem I am linking came from that part of myself, that even at 40, I haven’t found a way to announce my “condition” to the world. I do so admire your bravery.
https://silentfall.me/2017/04/20/whoreified/
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Hello, fellow aspie! Thanks to whoever introduced me to you, and thank you for stopping by π Bravery takes different forms for everyone, so I never felt the need or rush to announce it. Thank you for sharing π
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John Coyote shared your recent piece, “Mysteries Among the Melodies of Silence.”
That title deeply resonates with me, as do the words within. β₯
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Thank you π
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The idea that there’s a stereotype for waiting on customers…. well, I’m glad you’re not letting that stop you. Customer’s will need to adjust. … and besides it’s the product that they’re really after…. their mouths are already watering. You haven’t taken them away from their craving.
thanks,
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Very true
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Reblogged this on Creative Writing Reblogged.
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What a beautiful poetry! Thank you…Greetings from the Netherlands
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Thank you π
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Ringing with strength
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Thank you π
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Brave π
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Thank you π
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Wonderful ππβοΈπΉ
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Thank you Ana π
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No problem. π π πΉ
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