Poetry is a combination of techniques that allow the writer to express emotions through words. The idea of a poem is developed throughout the verses with the help of tone, rhythm, mood, diction, setting, and title.

When children are given the assignment to write a poem, they often become creative and insightful, letting their imaginations soar.

Poetry writing can free kids up and give them the needed confidence to find and show their own voice and unique style.

When Benjamin Giroux, a multi-year old understudy, was asked to write a poem for homework, he used the opportunity to disclose his sentiments. He wanted to show others what it looks like to live Asperger’s.

The 10-year-old from Plattsburgh, New York, has Asperger’s disorder, which is a type of developmental disorder. His teacher asked the students to write a poem titled “I Am.”

His father, Sonny Giroux, said:

“When we ask him how his day went when he gets home from school, we don’t get much more than a one-word answer.”

Yet, this time, Benjamin was excited to express his feelings.

He sat at the kitchen table and didn’t look up until he finished his poem.

When he showed it to his parents and his teacher, they were at a loss for words.

This is Benjamin’s poem:

 I am odd, I am new

 I wonder if you are too

 I hear voices in the air

 I see you don’t, and that’s not fair

 I want to not feel blue

 I am odd, I am new

 I pretend that you are too

 I feel like a boy in outerspace

 I touch the stars and feel out of place

 I worry what others might think

 I cry when people laugh, it makes me shrink

 I am odd, I am new

 I understand now that so are you

 I say I, “feel like a castaway”

 I dream of a day that that’s okay

 I try to fit in

 I hope that someday I do

 I am odd, I am new.

His father said:

“At first, we felt sad and hurt that he feels isolated, alone, misunderstood and odd at school. As the poem went on, we realized that he understands that he’s odd and that so is everyone else in their own way, which is what Ben wants everyone to embrace.”

The poem that reveals the way this special youngster felt different from other children was highlighted and shared by the National Autism Association, and it quickly went viral.

It was reshared more than 49,000 times, often accompanied by the awareness hashtag #oddtoo.

Since then. Benjamin has won awards, and his masterpiece has been illustrated for a children’s book, used in tattoo designs, and even inspired songs.

Yet, his biggest reward is the feedback he receives from people like himself, who were inspired by his words.

His father added:

“We try to read him as many comments as we can to show the impact he’s had. It makes him happy too, which is always nice to see.

Ben’s goal was to have people understand that being odd is different, and different is amazing, and people shouldn’t be afraid of who they are. And that makes me one proud father!”

Dear boy, you are not odd, you are simply purer, and our world needs heroes like you.

Sources:
www.postlajme.net
www.boredpanda.com
www.today.com