This short poem aims to raise awareness of mental health and more specifically Asperger’s.

Unfair, unfathomable!

Solid reasoning thrown to the fire,

In favor of etiquette, the manners of the superior!

Surely truth is better than fake flattery, fabricated compliments-

Better words be straight than bent.

Call me hell-sent if you will,

My bluntness may be an odd divergence from the norm-

But I would rather tell the truth, be in the right-

Than tell the blind they have sight!

What is this organization of cordialities?

So natural to the sheep, the crowd.

Not to me, there obviousness, so bewildering.

Shall I try and fit in?

Force my heart and mind into an unnatural contortion?

I would if I could-

I sometimes ponder.

But it is an impossibility, an unattainability objective…

So I stay as I am-

In this crowd of socialites, those who are energized by other people, a self-perpetual cycle!

I stay as I am-

An awkward, inelegant introvert-

The outspoken, odd one out…

But no matter if I stay quiet,

Or if I shout-

Some will stay perplexed at my differentness

This disposition I hold-

Some will always think me somewhat cold

And so they leave me, altogether overwhelmed…

Editor’s note: “Asperger’s syndrome, also called Asperger’s disorder, is a type of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination.”

Do you have a friend, family member or loved one with Asperger’s? What are some of the challenges and stigmas they face? Don’t forget to leave a comment and share this article on Facebook and Twitter.

Brendan Stoneham is an 18-year-old aspiring poet and writer. He writes quirky and original poetry. Brendan has dyspraxia (an autism spectrum disorder linked with Asperger’s) and his favorite poet is Emily Dickinson. He has written around 300 poems (and counting!). Follow Brendan on Twitter @poemadayguy.