Labels

i was labelled autistic
but these labels need not stick
given by the narrow minded
for whom intelligence is sludge too thick.

i was labelled handicapped
that I had a wayward talent
just a few have seen my truth
and it would be more than I could imagine.

I was labelled a failure 
that is one school exam I passed
there was so much wrong
but they never cared enough to ask.

i was labelled unloved
by a sly and nervous urban fox
these labels need not stick
i know because I have had the lot
and on the map of understanding
they are the blots.

i was labelled complicated
that much is true
i instigated this abstract view
but I left a treasure trove of clues
and if you cling to these labels
that is your loss and reflects poorly on you

James Garratt – February 2008