ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The Paper Plane

He ran his thumb along the fold,
not once, not twice, but thrice
The steps he followed one by one,
exact and so precise.
With steely purpose, focus fixed
upon the frozen screen
ensuring that each fold he made
was crisp and firm and clean.

The master was a Youtube clip,
the student just a boy.
Together they created such
an awe inspiring toy.
A paper plane that ruled the skies,
a testament to flight.
Asperger's meant the little boy
could barely read or write.

Yet here he found his perfect fit
A place where he excelled.
A silent world, a peaceful world
where no one screamed or yelled.
He made his craft, set it aloft
to dance upon the air,
while his tormentors stood and watched
And muted they did stare.

Copyright (c) Allan Cropper June 2015

how sensitively you have handled this issue Allan - this is both insightful and just a delight to read.

Absolutely! Well done Allan - you have shown the precision of the Asperger's syndrome clearly in the first stanza, the boy's joy despite loneliness and separateness in the second and third, and finished with a poignant moral to those who do not understand. Very cleverly and thoughtfully written.

Interesting, Allan. As Catherine says, such a pursuit would certainly suit someone with Asperger's. Is this related to the film? (I haven't seen it.)

David

Allan, this is so well written - and outlines the very special world of autism so well.

Cheers, Shelley

Maureen, Catherine and Shelley - thank you for your kind feedback.

I have had some experience with kids with autism.

However, David, it is not related to the film. I too have not yet seen the film.

Cheers

Allan

Delicately constructed Allan. Just lovely.
Trish

Thanks Trish

I do appreciate your kind feedback.

Cheers

Allan