A poem from the perspective of 5-year old Hope. With a longing to join in but struggling to keep up with her peers. With feelings of loneliness, hope, and the joy of inclusion when someone reaches out. A touching reminder of the power of friendship and kindness.
Hope had her first orientation visit into big school this week. I could probably share a post on all the feelings that go with that, but I’ll save that for another day. Instead, I want to share another little poem…
Explore the heartfelt poem “Please Don’t Call Me Different,” which captures a child’s plea for acceptance and understanding. This verse celebrates the joy of being oneself and the simple desire to be seen and treated like any other child, highlighting the importance of empathy and inclusion.
My little shadow, that’s what I have been calling Hope lately. I started writing down what I thought might be going through her head… What I didn’t realise was that writing this would make me rethink how I react to her at times when she is simply trying to help. Here is… “Maybe One Day”…
Hope looks up to her brothers in every way—watching, learning, and trying to do everything they do. Whether it’s playing, colouring, or telling stories, she’s determined to keep up. This poem is a reflection of that determination, a reminder that no matter the challenges, she’s growing, learning, and proving that she can be just like them in her own time.