ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

JACK THE LAD

He was just a humble trolley boy, a likable young lad
who perhaps missed out a little in life's skills, that fact was sad.
He said he was autistic and some folks though he was slow
and this was the first job that he'd had. The store gave him a go.

He liked the work quite well he said, people would always chat
and most everybody knew his name...well nothing wrong with that.
He was happy collecting trolleys, and working outside alone
for the older people couldn't carry all their groceries on their own.
He was happy to assist them, lift the bags into the car
and quick to offer a steadying arm if they had parked to far
away from the stores entrance .. and he always had a smile
and his manners were impeccable..He stood out by a mile.

He told me that he knew that some kids laughed about his job
but he'd copped a lot of bullying at school. He understood
that it was their own inadequacies that caused them to be pests,
and he might be just a trolley boy, but planned to be the best.
With attitude like that you had to admire this bloke’s pluck.
So I shook his hand gave him a grin and wished him all the luck
that the world had to offer, for a bloke with such ambition,
surely will succeed in his life regardless of conditions.

But fate then played its cruelest hand and a young life was lost.
No one’s fault just an accident. Something that fate just tossed
into the equation, as if there was a point to make.
The church was full to overflowing, many gathered for his sake.

So many people came that day they'd not all fit inside
and his parents, broken hearted, also held their heads with pride
shining from their eyes as customers of the supermarket chain
spoke so highly about their son. His life was not in vain.
They spoke about his lovely smile, and how he always waved.
How he helped with shopping trolleys and many old shoulders saved
from pain as he helped lift the groceries from the trolley,
and he always had a funny joke, and was always bright and jolly.

His simple casket was covered with bright flowers yellow and red,
and paper chains and daisies from the kids at school , who said
they knew Jack was an adult but he was a kid at heart you see.
He was a big fan of the Broncos and watched The Simpson's on TV.
Some children placed wrapped lollies and flowers upon his bier
for they knew that Jack liked lollies, so they thought they'd put some here
where he could take them on his journey, for Heaven is far way
but they knew they'd see him once again..not sure when - but some day.


Perhaps a lesson could be learnt from those who wear Gods mark
of specialness..And difference..Those who walk a different path.
For though perhaps not sound of body and somewhat different from the rest
they have hearts loving and giving, and they always give their best.


Maureen Clifford ©

Thank you Maureen. Was it a true story ?

I do a lot of shows for downs syndrome people and their carers and am continually amazed at their sense of humour.

I employed a young bloke many years ago who used to have blackouts if put under too much stress. We just made up a set of rules so that he was never placed in a situation where he could not cope. I still see him now even 20 years later and he now runs his own car detailing buisness. Just needed a start.

A lovely poem.

Bob

g'day Maureen,

You touch our hearts so often that I have come to expect it, but this one is ripping at my heart. If my gradson can only progress, one day, to be a trolly boy we will praise God and his dedicated teachers.

We all gathered at my daughters one Sunday, for no special reason, and she had made a cake for afternoon tea. Ryan came and stood at the end of the table and looked around. Then he said.. "happy birthday?" .. we laughed and said "No, not happy birthday just cake". He was a bit confused (stood flapping his hands and vocalising as Autistic children do) and then walked over to the kitchen (her family room is very large including kitchen, dining and tv area.) and stood with his back to us then very softly he sang 'happy birthday'. Only then, after the whole ritual was complete, could he eat his cake. I wonder if science will ever unravel the Autistic mind? (I love you Ryan).

Thank you Bob and Zondrae - if you have dealt with young ones like this you obviously know where I am coming from. It is half true - we do have a young man who is autistic in our family circle..he has the world at his doorstep if he knew how to open the door. He has ventured nearly through on several occasions only to have it shut in his face which is so sad. He has held down a couple of jobs one even in sales in a city store in Brisbane dealing with electrical stuff- computers etc etc and turned out to be a brilliant salesman but the other staff and customers couldn't/wouldn't deal with his quirky ways and they let him go - he was devastated and now sadly is not inclined to try again. His Dad is trying to start a work from home business for him dealing with computer sales etc etc. This is his forte he can quote verbatim all the details and technicalities of the computer bits involved but give him a simple task and he is at a loss.