14: Answering the Call

I hear the quiver, in your voice,
as soon as I pick up your call.
The one that says, ‘Mum I’m scared!’
Not feeling brave at all.

My heart catches, when I hear you,
as fear jolts through my chest.
'Where are you?' 'What has happened?'
Tell me quick, for I cannot rest.

Images pile up in my mind,
unbidden they keep coming.
I steer you, to tell your tale
and release my cloud of worry.

You had a crash, my fears explode,
in hot rivulets of pain.
Haltingly the details emerge,
adrenaline subsides again.

The road was greasy, in the rain,
you spun and hit the poles!
No, you’re not hurt! The cars ok!
There was no one else involved!

Thank God for the angel, that stopped the traffic
and helped you on your way.
Let’s get you home, none of it matters,
It can be fixed another day.

Lady Satellite

You never know when you pick up the phone, what news you will hear; but somehow a mother always knows immediately when they are needed. 

13: Vulnerable

Love me, soothe me.
Take away my fears.
Move me, soothe me.
Kiss away my tears.

Hold me, soothe me.
Walk along the sand.
Hold me tight.
Steady my hand.
I am vulnerable tonight.

Guide me, soothe me.
Melt away my nerves.
Hold my gaze.
Greet my soul.
Let me see who you are at last.

Lady Satellite

12: Finding Time

Rushing here, rushing there,
how many thing can I fit in one day?
The lawn wants mowing.
The weeds keep growing.
Mustn’t forget to cover that grey!

Driving here, driving there,
off to work then pick up at school.
Fit in the shopping.
Don’t think ‘bout stopping.
Remember the speed limit, follow the rule!

Looking here, looking there,
find that sock, locate that shoe.
Have a good look.
Neglect that book.
Haven’t I got enough things to do?

Remember this, remember that,
feed the dog, pick up a child.
Take your pills.
Pay those bills.
Don’t forget to have your hair styled!

Enjoy this, enjoy that,
your time with them is only borrowed.
Love every day,
they’re in your way.
They will move out, one sunny tomorrow!

Lady Satellite

Life doesn't get better until you learn to enjoy what's happening now, even if that is chaos!

11: Where do Your Emotions Lie?

Is your heart the central port?
It quickens when lustful thoughts arise
and jolts when shocked by death or fear.
So is your heart the central port?

Is your stomach the vital source?
It houses butterflies when nerves are high
and flips when bad news, comes calling by.
So is your stomach the vital source?

Is your head the essential place?
It aches when pressured by cares and worries
and fills with a rosy haze when you fall in love.
So is your head the essential place?

Is your skin the sacred store?
It tingles with sweet anticipation
and crawls when revulsion touches.
So is your skin the sacred store?

Every cell of your being,
pulses with life itself.
Your body knows more than you.
So beware my dear friends,
learn this lesson well.
You are, your emotions,
they do not, within you dwell.
You cannot block them out,
though you may try to fool yourself.
Embrace them, bid them welcome;
hear what they have come to tell.

Lady Satellite

10: The Curse of Being Literal

Sometimes I have to smile, before it makes me cry.
Sometimes I might laugh and people wonder why.
The agony of watching you struggle, feels more than I can bear.
I know this world seems strange and harsh with people that don’t care.
If they could see from your side, how strange reality is;
maybe they would understand, why you’re often in a tizz.

Imagine if you can, a world where everything is wrong;
where right means left and yes means no.
You can’t understand, no matter how hard you try.
It just doesn’t make sense, people trick you and lie.

The bus is leaving, you’re on board,
Mum’s outside, they’ve shut the door.
She acts the fool and plays her half,
Jumping at the window while the other kids laugh.

To you this is real, not funny at all.
Your Mum’s in danger and being ridiculed.
This isn’t funny, this isn’t cool,
your confusion rises, your anxiety overloads,
you scream at the kids, as you think the bus goes.
This isn’t real, it’s just a silly joke,
but in your literal world, you simply cannot cope.

My son isn’t naughty or badly brought up.
He isn’t crazy or stupid, don’t be quick to judge.
If you say what you mean and do what you say;
things will go well and be easy today.

I’m at fault here. I admit it. Do you?
I say just a minute and it takes twenty-two.
With language like that, what can he do?
How can he learn time when it never stays true?

‘YES, I do mind’ means ‘NO, you cannot!’
When you try to explain, he can’t take it in;
his head is pounding with a hammering din.
‘You lied! You lied!’ he yells from his hiding space;
with hot tears of frustration, running down his face.
The world for him is such a confusing place.

‘Stand in a line by the door!’ means police that fact;
block the exit and go crazy with those that want more.
In your head there’s a line, or if not there’s war!

What can I do? How can I help?
How can I make things better, or heal your hurt?
Love is all I have, to offer you and as much patience as I can muster.
Together we will get through, until we can find an answer.

Lady Satellite

I share this to raise awareness of how challenging this world can be for someone on the autism spectrum. I hope that it will help those not on the spectrum to understand what to an outsider can look crazy!

9: Leschenault Cubs

Leschenaults’ laughing loopy larrikins,
Entertaining educational ebullient enigmas,
Stunningly special silly squad,

Curious crazy creative crowd,
Happy helpful hilarious handfuls,

Energetic endearing explosive eaters,

Normally nurturing, non-nuclear numbats,
Amazing awesome adaptable animals,
Unmissable unstoppable uproarious and unique,
Loudly learning lovable lolly-munchers,

Trusty tolerant terrific tackers!

Cantankerous crafty cubilicious children,
Unforgettable uniformed useful youths,
Bubbly brave bold breed,
Splendid sticky spectacular species!

Lady Satellite

8: Cubilee

Pack the cubs on the bus,
off to Cubilee.
Oh heck! Not gonna stop,
hope no one needs a pee!

Thirteen happy cubs singing,
enthusiastic and very loud.
Should have brought my ear plugs,
to block out the sound!

Twelve cubs get off the bus,
running wild and free.
Need eyes in the back of your head,
Lord have mercy on me!

Eleven cubs on a climbing wall,
is that one upside down?!?
'How did that happen?'
I wonder with a frown!

Ten cubs at the stocks,
throwing wet sponges with glee.
Everybody getting wet,
look out Baffy!

Nine cubs on the rope bridge,
scampering like monkeys.
Hold on tight, don’t want a fright,
no broken bones please!

Eight cubs lying in the shade,
half asleep and unaware.
Watch out Ferao’s been shopping,
a water gun, beware!

Seven cubs racing cars,
very fast downhill.
Akela what has happened?
Your car is standing still?

Six cubs riding camels,
Ladybird in the lead;
but the animal won’t budge,
keeps bending down to feed!

Five cubs telling jokes,
and doing funny skits;
laughing long and hard,
‘Scouts Own’ they call this.

Four cubs now are camping,
at Byford for the night.
Will we get any sleep?
Maybe not until it’s light!

Three cubs having breakfast,
it’s amazing what they eat!
Packing up comes next,
an extraordinary feat!

Two cubs on parade,
closing ceremony, time to leave.
Have you earnt another badge,
to sew upon your sleeve?

One cub on a bus,
did we wear him out at last?
Quietly going to sleep,
he’s really had a blast.

Back at base, parents waiting,
this years’ fun is over.
Did we leave anyone behind?
Take a look over your shoulder!

Lady Satellite

This weekends' poems come with my gratitude to the leaders; Akela, Baffy, Ferao and Ladybird for an awesome weekend and also to our amazing cubs; Aaron, Casey, Finlay, Hudson, Isabel, Jenaya, Jessica, John, Liam, Michael, Peter, Ryan and Thane.