The first in a Continuing Series of Peaceful Art and Poems
Compiled by Keri Bowers with contributions by Anthony Brown, Chimezie Ihekuna, Scott Lentine, Maranda Russell, Wells Denison, Eileen Ithra Sobora
“Negative words carry negative vibration. Positive words carry positive vibration. What do you want your child to reflect back to you, the label of disordered or the label of gifted in a new way?” Suzy Miller, Awesomism
When we think about the words we use in everyday language, not just about the words used in the disabilities community, but in a world where more and more, negative words fly about like haphazard bee’s ready to sting, it might feel as if peace is elusive.
Suzy Miller is right; negative words carry negative vibrations. Look at what is happening in our country and the world, as people on all sides of varying issues gather “righteously” to inflame with words, violence, and harrowing destruction, the world around us. We see this inflammation within the global autism community as well.
Though we are not a political group, we at AoA grieve for the mutual destruction occurring all around us. We founded The Art of Autism to seek hope, promise, and possibilities. We work to bring opportunities for growth and self-determination among our followers. Each of us, on AoA’s Board of Directors ~ comprised equally of autistics and parents ~ has made a personal commitment to working toward artful advocacy with peace and dignity.
The poems in this continuing series, written by verbal and non-speaking individuals, and those who love them, are a call to encourage the real and vibrational energies of peace. We invite you to breathe in the essence of these poems that express a quest for inner and outer peace.
When our lighted candle stands next to yours, together we make the world a brighter, more peaceful place. Please join us in this universal prayer for peace as we mindfully examine the possibilities we individually and collectively create in the world.
“Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries,” Sister Corita Kent
A Peaceful Heart
By Anthony Brown-supported typing with Mary Ann
Peace is coming so it seems
No longer lost among superficial dreams
Great feeling coming over me
Sensed oppression is relieved
Why I wonder is it so?
Shifting energy, all aglow
In my heart I know it’s true
Saving grace, is pouring through
Ascending zenith, arriving now
Spreading kindness all around
Beams of light heartfelt sound
Love fuels peaceful outcomes
The Being of Peace
By Chimezie Ihekuna
Humanity has long lost me
but it’s in dire need of me
Humanity considers me trivial
but I’m the most important factor in its focal
Humanity desires the change time;
but I’m the very needed enzyme
Humanity seeks for comfort
but fails to realize I’m its forte
Humanity clamours for conflict resolution
but I’m the very solution
Humanity is in a closed confused state
but I’m the key to open the Clarity Gate
Humanity finds a remedy to find another problem
but I’m the sure lasting solution claim
Humanity sees me as not serious
but I’m the most conscious
Humanity perceives me as un-inviting
but I’m the most encouraging
Humanity thinks it’s wealthy
but I’m what it really wishes: ‘healthy’
Humanity vicious circle will linger
if I’m not called to reverse the impending danger
Who am I?
I am simply ‘The Being of Peace’
The Pony Gods
By Maranda Russell
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I pray to the Pony Gods. |
Peace, Love, & Basset Hounds
By Wells Denison
This poem is important to me because there are good things, and bad things about life. This poem kinda reminds me of when I was little, and I screamed a lot. I have learned to control my behavior, because I am 11 now.
Yelling
Hitting
Kicking
Screaming
Decrease the peace
Friendship
Nice voices
Good words
Good influences
Increase the peace
Getting screamed at
Or screaming myself
Decreases my own peace
Playing with water
With my dad
Increases my own peace
When I’m upset
I take some deep breaths
And think about my iPad
And peace returns
The world is never going to be perfect
The Ode to the Autistic Man
By Scott Lentine
Try to understand the challenges that I face
I would like to be accepted as a human in all places
Where I will end up in life I don’t know
But I hope to be successful wherever I go
I would like to expand my social skills in life
Making new friends would be very nice
Stand proud for the autistic man
For he will find a new fan
I hope to overcome the odds I face today
Increased acceptance will lead me to a brighter day
By the age of 20, I will have made tremendous strides
I know in the future, life will continue to be an interesting ride
I have made new friends by the year
I will be given tremendous respect by my family and peers
I hope to get noted for bringing the issue of autism to the common man
So that autistic people can be accepted in this great land
Stand proud for the autistic man
For he will find a new fan
I hope to overcome the odds I face today
Increased acceptance will lead me to a brighter day
Fall Season
“What I convey in this art piece was one of my favorite seasons of the year that makes me feel the most peaceful. In my painting, you will see a forest of red leaves surrounding the wilderness along with some fallen leaves scattered around the scenery. In the center, a woman is walking along the path of leaves enjoying the scenery while showing a smile on her face. I would consider this art piece to be nature themed as I find the fall season to be a symbol of renewal; the beginning of peaceful times ahead before winter begins,” Eileen Ithra Sobora
The theme for the United Nations’ International Peace Day 2017, is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”. This year the initiative is dedicated to a “global partnership in support of diversity, non-discrimination and acceptance of refugees and migrants.”
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. Established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, it was declared that this be a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
For more information about International Day of Peace ~ or World Peace Day ~ visit http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/index.shtml. On their website, you will find wonderful activities that you and your children can participate in to support this important initiative. A great skill builder opportunity, by participating in activities directed toward peace with our children, we build into our narrative, a world of positivity and possibility which springs hope eternal.
“My theory is that the environment animals live in should activate their positive emotions as much as possible, and not activate their negative emotions any more than necessary. If we get the animal’s emotions rights, we will have fewer problem behaviors… All animals and people have the same core emotion systems in the brain.”
― Temple Grandin, Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals
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