There’s a boy in here

April is Autism Awareness month. When my grandson, Matthew, was diagnosed with Autism we knew little or nothing about what to expect. We just knew this precious little boy was special. Through the years, with its ups and downs, there have been good times and bad times. Seventeen years later Autism is still a mystery with good times and bad times. One thing we know — Matthew is special. He has taught us far more than we have taught him. I would like to thank the teachers from McHenry and Pepperell for all they have done to help Matthew. There will surely be a special place in heaven for Special Ed teachers. Matthew doesn’t read or write or talk so I wrote his story for him in a poem. Matthew’s Story

There’s a boy in here And he can’t get out I can’t say how I feel So I scream and shout Sometimes I hurt Sometimes I’m sad They don’t understand They just think I’m bad I would love to talk And laugh with you But the words won’t come Like I want them to There is so much help I need from you But you can’t understand What I’m going through The treatments you try All seem so lame There’s a wild thing in me That your meds can’t tame I don’t mean to hurt you Or make a scar But this wild thing in me Doesn’t know who you are I would love to grow up Like my brother did He became a man I’m still just a kid In this Autistic world I must remain Knowing my tomorrows Will all be the same Please try to remember When I scream and shout There’s a boy in here And he can’t get out. Jery Morris Silver Creek