The Bastard
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15173/cjae.v5i1.5963Keywords:
Autism, identity, abandonment, neglect, self-discoveryAbstract
This poem reflects on my journey as an undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) foster child growing up in rural Newfoundland. It highlights the abusive and neglectful developmental years and how that lack of guidance drove me to a directionless life, regardless of the paths I tried to walk.
It attempts to highlight the paths I have taken, the frustrations felt, the mistakes made, and the meeting of my wife. I am still "licking old wounds" in her shade.
Life has been incredibly complex due to the multitude of masks I was forced to wear in order to survive, alone, without any evidence as to who, or what I am. I still do not fit, but at least I now know why. That’s a great starting point.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Winston Roberts
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