Sensory Overload

When buzzers sound, and cell phones chime,

The teacher’s voice a constant whine,

Flourescent lights flicker and shine,

And friends all talk at the same time,

There’s comfort in personal space,

Or in the way I like to pace.

When traffic’s bad, my journey long,

And city streets with people throng,

Their constant chatter sounds all wrong

And makes me feel I don’t belong,

There’s comfort in the silken tag

That’s sewn inside my shoulder bag.

When English sounds like double dutch,

Or on my plate the foods all touch,

Till panic has me in her clutch,

And even breathing seems too much,

There’s comfort in a favourite song,

Turned up too loud, the baseline strong.

When everything’s too bright outside,

So hot or cold my brain feels fried,

And I can’t sleep, although I tried

My mind abuzz, eyes open wide,

There’s comfort in the ticking clock,

The way I hug myself and rock.

When everything is going well,

With no annoying noise or smell,

No flashing light or ringing bell,

And I feel happy for a spell,

There’s comfort in my fingers tapping

Or in the way my hands are flapping.

So please excuse my quirky ways,

They get me through the harder days.