One of the greatest perks of our jobs (aside from the fact that we can say “shut up” and make mistakes in the workplace) is that we have the privilege of meeting and learning from some pretty amazing people. Today, we were thrilled to receive an introductory email from Scott Lentine. Scott, who was diagnosed with high functioning autism, has accomplished much in his 25 years of life. He graduated from Merrimack College magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies. He is currently an office intern at the Arc of Massachusetts, where he tries to persuade lawmakers to pass key disability resources legislation to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Scott is also a talented poet and songwriter and has graciously given us the privilege of sharing his work. So without further adieu, we present Ode to the Autistic Man by Scott Lentine. Please share it with others and leave him a comment on his terrific work.
The Ode to the Autistic Man
Try to understand the challenges that I face
I would like to be accepted as a human in all places
Where I will end up in life I don’t know
But I hope to be successful wherever I go
I would like to expand my social skills in life
Making new friends would be very nice
Stand proud for the autistic man
For he will find a new fan
I hope to overcome the odds I face today
Increased acceptance will lead me to a brighter day
By the age of 20, I will have made tremendous strides
I know in the future, life will continue to be an interesting ride
I have made new friends by the year
I will be given tremendous respect by my family and peers
I hope to get noted for bringing the issue of autism to the common man
So that autistic people can be accepted in this great land
Stand proud for the autistic man
For he will find a new fan
I hope to overcome the odds I face today
Increased acceptance will lead me to a brighter day
Wonderfully said Scott! I have two children with high functioning Asperger’s (ages 18 & 7) and I know that my older child feels just as you do. My younger child will no doubt feel that way in time as well. I hope that awareness brings much needed respect and understanding for all children & their families who live with the many faces of Autism. Thank you for sharing your heart.
You certainly have MY respect, Scott! As the mother of a 6-year-old with high-functioning autism, it’s very comforting to me to know that caring and talented people like you are going before him to help pave the way for his future successes. God bless you.
Definitely a fan!
Beautiful poem, thanks for sharing!
Kate- Thank you for complimenting my poem! My poems
have gotten great support from family, friends, autism advocates like Susan Senator, Stephen Shore, Flannery Sullivan, Liane Kupferberg Carter, Lisa Quinones-Fontanez, and Claire LaZebnik. My poems have also been praised by the likes of folk music singer Tom Rush, Jesse Colin Young, the lead singer of the 60s group the Youngbloods of “Get Together, Chicago singer Bill Champlin, voiceover actors Bill Ratner and Pat Fraley, a letter support from President Obama on autism advocacy, and Gerard McMahon, who is best known for singing “Cry Little Sister,” from the movie “The Lost Boys.” I hope that my poems continued to get featured on additional autism blogs and I plan to release a 4th poem and additional future works soon.
Wonderful and thoughtful poem! Scott, you are a success! All the best to you!