Emilee Ray
Staff Writer
La Vista: What inspired you to start writing poetry? Hynes: When you communicate by typing one letter at a time, you tend to express yourself as succinctly as possible for which poetry writing is a great fit. In addition, rhythm is important to my motor planning and poetry provides a natural format for rhythmic expression. I also appreciate that poetic writing is free of rules.
La Vista: When did you start writing poetry?
Hynes: I am not sure exactly, but my typing got going around age 4 or 5 and I always liked to say things as briefly as possible.
La Vista: What do you think is the biggest misconception that people have about autism?
Hynes: Wow, there are lots perhaps first is that people with autism are aliens not humans, also that we can’t hear, and finally that we lack aspirations in the same way.
La Vista: What would you say the biggest misconception people have about you is? Hynes: Simply stated, it’s that because I lack the ability to speak, that I lack intellect.
La Vista: What is your experience at Costa like?
Hynes: I am really having a cool experience here many of my classmates have known me since elementary and middle school. The teachers have also been exceptional in welcoming my unusual learning and expressive style. The community has always treated me with kindness and openness. In a word, fantastic.
A Message from Killian Hynes:
April is a month designated for special attention to be paid to individuals with autism. Rather than simple awareness, self advocates are calling for the community to engage in appreciation for those among us who have autism. I challenge all classmates to imagine: What would your life be like if you had Autism?
With that in mind, I offer these thoughts:
Realize that
I think about issues just like you do
Even though it is hard for me to communicate my thoughts
Realize that
I care about friends just like you do
Even though you may often see me with the adults on my team
Realize that
I study hard and understand what we are learning in class
Even though my participation is not as frequent as others
Realize that
I want my body to move as my mind instructs
Even though achieving that often eludes me
Realize that
I aspire to gain a higher education and make a positive difference in my community
Even though the path for me to do so is not established
Realize that
I see a future surrounded with family and friends
Even though my ability to build that nest is challenging
I am more like you than not
Realize that
Poem By Killian Hynes
March 12, 2018
March
Toward the light
Using our voices collectively to clarify what’s just
Trauma a catalyst for this next generation to seize the mantle
March
Unafraid to disrupt old moneyed thinking
Powered by the renewable energy of youth
Deaths at school mobilize us to fight
March
Unflinching determination to assert our viewpoint
Killer abilities lie in the justness of our words not in the weaponry of war
Fallen friends and faculty propel our ideas
March
Overpowering the corporate greed and political corruption
Winning over the citizenry to our cause
Tears of loss resonate throughout this republic
March
For our lives
Click here to find out more about how you can get involved!
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