Poems
Written by Kim Block
- Human Variation
- Speaking Out Loud
- Why Do I Stutter?
- Stuttering Joy
- Worry Bugs Need Hugs
1. Human Variation
What it is to be human
To wake up and feel alive
We process our world through our senses
But something inside us lies
With so many people around us
Our world and systems complex
We try to fit concepts, people into boxes
Trying to define the mess
By carving people into sculptures
We shave off the rest
To shove aside, oppress and hide
Similarity is the best?
What a loss we all experience
When all we want is same
The jewels and shine of humanity
Float to the ground and become shame
Until the frozen people
Are so sick and tired of the cold
They break through the harness
To speak their mind and be bold
We are all variations of humanity
Beautiful, strong and unique
We are diverse in our human attributes
We honor each other when we meet
When we meet at the point of connectedness
When something inside us that lies
The human spirit is boundless
Variation is what makes us fly
2. Speaking Out Loud
Speaking out Loud?
Are you kidding?
Saying my words
To be heard?
Too much of a risk
I’d rather you miss
My dreams, my humor, my words
I’m used to be being passed by
I just give a small smile to say hi
It’s fine with me
I’d rather not be
Speaking out loud
Or be heard
But who am I kidding?
Who’s really winning?
Am I helping us all
When I shrink and be small?
Can society evolve
When I play a part?
Does hiding inspire kindness?
Don’t we all have a heart?
Maybe one day
I’ll get brave and say
I am here
I am beautiful
I have something inside
That is bursting to be
Just wait and see
Because starting today
I will be brave
Speaking out loud to be heard.
3. Why Do I Stutter?
Why is my hair red
just like Uncle Fred?
Why do I dance like Daddy
And hate pickles like cousin Maddy?
Why does my smile look the same
As Grandpa James?
Why do I stutter?
Why does my mouth feel tight
My tongue in a fight
My stutter tries to flee
While I am saying the word th-th-three
Why do I stutter?
Before you were born
You had a great grandfather
He also stuttered
And also his mother
Your part of this family
Through and through
Stuttering has been around for ages
It’s not anything new
You stutter my child
Because of family history
There is nothing wrong with you
It’s not a big mystery
Just like your family before you
You need to be strong
And teach other people
Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong!
It’s not a big deal
When your lips want to dance
You still have plenty to say
So dance, dance, dance!
Please don’t interrupt me
And guess what I say
It just adds pressure
You get in my way.
I expect patience and respect
No doubt about that
Could you trade places
And not want to trade back?
I am so excited
And have lots to say
I expect patience
So have a seat, and I’ll tell you about my day
4. Stuttering Joy
OH the joy to stutter
OH the joy to be free
You think you have me pinned
That I must be___________
To be fluent in control and fearful
Trust me, I’ve had enough
A full earful
HA HA jokes on you
I am not standing in your shoes
I actually have strength
I lead, not follow
We are separate people
I don’t bend and wallow
You may let your fears lead,
I am sorry, but that is not me
Don’t give me your weakness
I have my own strength
Don’t give me your attitude
I’ll rise above and not walk the plank
It’s hard work to deflect you
I must say you are persistent
Thanks goodness I have practiced
No problem, I’ll resist it
Again….and again….and again
I love to stutter
My lips to flutter
I feel whole and complete
This is how I was meant to be
I was born this way
What else can I say
I love being me
And I am bursting
Can you see?
Because I define me
5. Worry Bugs Need Hugs
I worry when you’re not with me
What if something goes wrong?
Will you come back and get me?
What if my wait is long?
What if I am expected…
To do something I cannot do?
Will I feel bad inside?
Or will I worry you?
Sometimes I just need a hug
To feel you by myside
For you to sit beside me
So my worry bugs will hide
Sometimes I feel so confused
I am not sure what to do
My worry bugs need a hug
I feel safe when I am with you
I wish I could stay with you forever
I will tape you to my side
But then you start to bore me
Maybe you should go and hide?
I’ll come back and get you later
I’m busy having fun
My friends are really funny
I just played a game and won
Being brave can be really great
I like going somewhere new
because I know I’ll always come home
And tell everything to you