This week’s poem comes from Swarit Gopalan, who writes: “Our silence was questioned first and then our words were. Here is a silent quest through that all.”
The silent quest
We used our words
When they were not heard
We sang our songs
When there was barely a nod
We sank and swam
When currents ripped around
We cried out of anguish
When the silence was deafening
We looked for answers
When there were only more questions
My name is Swarit and I am a 12 year old nonspeaking autistic boy. I would never have thought something like this was possible a couple of years back when I started my communication journey through spelling on a letter board. As this journey unfolded I got more comfortable and proficient with sharing my thoughts and feelings through typing on a regular keyboard. I have a communication and regulation partner (CRP) hold the keyboard for me for now while I am working on my skills to type independently.
It has always been a dream to share my story and perspectives more broadly so I can help accelerate the learning curve for families like ours. It is very important to me that we get voices like mine out of the prisons they are in. My life ought to move others in directions not thought possible as I would not be here if others had not shown the way. It would be a huge disservice to my tribe if they are left to figuring out solutions within the traditional structures that have only failed them.
Links:
Swarit shares his writings on
SWARIT GOPALAN-MY TRUISMS UNFILTERED - Facebook
SWARIT-MY TRUISMS UNFILTERED - Instagram
His work is documented in his website www.swaritgopalan.com
His youtube channel has the videos of his advocacy work SWARIT GOPALAN-MY TRUISMS UNFILTERED - YouTube.