Soul's Autism Poem by Issam Aladdin

I wish you would speak to me

Cry to me, sleep peacefully

I want to know the feel of your words in the air

Be they sharp and deep cutting

Or smooth and luscious

Like melted chocolate running over your tongue

What would you say to me, if you could, my dear

Would you sing each word in a sweet melody?

And those all around would be green with envy when you will only sing to me

Or would you use your gift of conversation to share half-truths and exaggerations

Oh, blessed darling, how I plead for you to share one word

One simple phrase or merely a groan

I wish to know your innermost thoughts

I wish to know you as who you are

Perhaps your soul runs with the power of a leader

You would use your voice to persuade others to do grand things

And you, in turn, would be doing a grand thing

Do I dare to know that your heart runs sour?

Possibly you keep your words in your own mouth as punishment for past lashings

Has your tongue betrayed you?

And now all you can muster is a smile or a frown

Most of those have left you now, but I am still here, my dear

I will never leave, as others without patience will abscond

Some day, you will let the world in on a vast secret

Some day, you will speak.