Autistic Boy Writes Moving Poem About How Odd He Is For A School Assignment, Leaves Teacher In Tears
What began as a class assignment has turned into a work worthy of a distinguished author for young Benjamin Giroux, whose raw and emotional poem about life with autism went massively viral and moved thousands of people around the world.
The then 10-year-old from Plattsburgh, New York, was immediately inspired after his teacher asked students to pen a poem about themselves, starting every few sentences with “I am.” Benjamin, not usually one to express a great deal of emotion, approached this homework task with relish and got straight to work on it.
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
“I am odd, I am new, I wonder if you are too,” Benjamin began, as he set out to try to express what it’s like to live with autism.
I hear voices in the air
I see you don’t, and that’s not fair
I want to not feel blue
I am odd, I am new
I pretend that you are too
I feel like a boy in outer space
I touch the stars and feel out of place
I worry what others might think
I cry when people laugh, it makes me shrink
I am odd, I am new
I understand now that so are you
I say I, “feel like a castaway”
I dream of a day that that’s okay
I try to fit in
I hope that someday I do
I am odd, I am new.
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
His parents were overcome with emotion when Benjamin handed them his poem to read, such profound and touching words are a rare and beautiful thing from such a young mind. “At first, we felt sad and hurt that he feels isolated, alone, misunderstood and odd at school,” Benjamin’s dad Sonny told Today.com. “As the poem went on, we realized that he understands that he’s odd and that so is everyone else in their own way, which is what Ben wants everyone to embrace.”
The poem was picked up by the National Autism Association, who shared it on their Facebook page. It quickly went viral and has been shared nearly 40,000 times, often accompanied by the awareness hashtag #oddtoo.
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
Benjamin has since gone on to win awards and watched with pride as his masterpiece has been illustrated for a children’s book (soon to be published), inspired songs, and even been used in tattoo designs. But the most rewarding part for Benjamin is when he receives letters from people like himself, who have felt empowered and inspired by his beautiful words.
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
“Benjamin is doing alright,” dad Sonny said in a brief update for Bored Panda. “He’s now in 8th grade and each day is a new day.”
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
“Benjamin hasn’t written much lately. The anxiety of trying to write something as good as that poem is too much for him. So he’s changed medium and now enjoys drawing and playing music.”
Image credits: GirouxBenjamin
Given that people from all over the world were moved to tears by his poem, expressing their awe and gratitude for giving an insight into the mind of someone on the autism spectrum, it’s definitely understandable that he might feel apprehensive in trying to repeat it. However, even if he chooses never to pick up a pen again, he has already achieved more than many of us aspiring authors ever will. He has inspired people.
Image credits: JinglesPoesia
Image credits: Idlady11
Image credits: iamladylu
Image credits: xfirieba
I'm tearing up upon reading this. Having depression, I know how it feels to be out of touch with the world.
As a kid I felt the way he does. I'm so happy that we as a society are getting better at understand that we are all different, and that we all see things in a different way. I know we have a long ways to go, however seeing these articles gives me a little bit of hope for humanity.
Load More Replies...Amazing that he was able to express himself in the way that he did. Some kids with autism have a hard time expressing how they feel and he did it gracefully. It has reached thousands and he has accomplished a great deal in his life! Congrats.
It truly is hard but it is easier when you have lots of support from people who care.
Load More Replies...This is a nice poem. Hope the boy got more benefits than it's shown here from the song versions. It's sweet, sincere and interesting. And at the same time it's kinda relatable even if you don't have autism. Partially so at least. Hope Benjamin becomes successful in whatever he enjoys and choses to be.
One of my best friends for 8 years has Autism, and there are lots of kids at my school who don't let him forget it. They never make fun of him in front of me bc they know I'd stand up for him, but we don't have any classes together so I can't always be there to help him out. This poem really shows how society categorizes people who are different as "weird" or "odd". It's really sad.
I have felt like an outcast since age 12. Im now 38 and have never been able to put my feelings in to words that way that you have Benjamin. You are an inspiration to all of us who feel like aliens. Like we are floating in space. Different and separate from all the "normal other people". Be proud of who you are. You are special because you are one of us! You are a future leader for all us under dogs. Don't change and never quit - we are all with you. You have an army - so keep fighting! ♥️
This is a wonderful poem! It really touched home for me. I am not autistic, but I was picked on a lot growing up.
Benjamin that is a mic-drop poem! It will be like the Serenity Prayer, but not written by Anonymous. You only need one poem Ben and this is it.
this is better than the serenity prayer because you don't have to be religious to appreciate it.
Load More Replies...This is a wonderful poem. While it might be sad in some aspects, I think that he also wants to convey that he enjoys being special in his own way and that we should all feel the same about what makes us different. We are all special and all deserve to feel like we are a part of something.
This is a great poem!! Aside from the words and message, the repetition of lines creates flow and music. Also a great way to help people understand his point of view
Love this poem. We all have been that child, when we feel odd, and sometimes we can´t fit... Just love it.
I am ordinary, I am old I stopped all my wondering a long time ago I hear voices, but I really don’t care I just feel grateful to breath in fresh air I want to feel warm, and not icy cold I am ordinary, I am old I have no choice but to do as I’m told I feel like a prisoner trapped here on earth I long to go back to the moment of birth I wish I could walk, but I don’t have the strength I cry when I think about life’s tiny length I am ordinary, I am old I can’t seem to find any hope I can hold I was sent to this place by my daughter and son I thought they’d come see me, but that time is done I fit in just fine I know my life has been sold I am ordinary, I am old
When I read your poem, I felt the urge to write this. As a kind of answer I guess... pardon my broken english, it's not my first language ... I hope that somehow, it will reach you ! :) You are odd, you are new And so am I too My thoughts are no straight And that makes them afraid I am odd, I’m not new And I won’t pretend, I still feel blue Don’t pretend, you don’t have too You feel like you’re from outerspace, I’ll tell you a secret, we’re all out of place In a sort of way; You can cry, it’s okay Sometimes they don’t understand That when we cry, we make our stand We are odd, we are new Yes, you understand, you do, Keep thinking of that coming day You’ll fit in, it will be okay We’re all odd, we’re all new
My little brother has autism and I’m so glad there is something like this out here. Hopefully it makes everyone like him and Ben feel less alone. Beautiful! I almost cried!
Fitting in is over-rated. You are too special to fit in where you are planted now. Some day you will find your place and you will see that, as odd goes, you're not so much.
I'm crying because I relate too much. In class we are reading a book about an autistic kid and the teacher is villainizing autistics which does remind me, I'm odd, new, I try to fit in, but I cannot. I hear and see things they cannot and they laugh at me. Make fun of me. Tell me they are sorry for my loss. But no one died. It makes be cry when I'm at home. Thank you Ben for writing this, showing them, I am odd, I am new, I have aspergers.
What book are you reading? That sounds awful. Maybe you can talk to the teacher or guidance counselor about how it is impacting you?
Load More Replies...Aww this is so sweet. I did a similar thing last year for school and my teacher said I should get it published. She left the school now and I have no way to contact her, and I don’t know how to publish it, but it made me so happy. This kid is an inspiration!
now adding these lines to put you at ease We yearn to be as kind as you, teach us please. We read your words my new lil friend, Smile knowing, these bad days will end. Your loved by so many, an inspiration too. Close your eyes, take a breath, is what too do. When all is confusing, look into my eyes, It's not just you, that often cries. We all feel different, big, and clumsy too, Everyday our hearts hurt wanting to be like you.... James Edward Danley
now adding these lines to put you at ease We yearn to be as kind as you, teach us please. We read your words my new lil friend, Smile knowing, these bad days will end. Your loved by so many, an inspiration too. Close your eyes, take a breath, is what too do. When all is confusing, look into my eyes, It's not just you, that often cries. We all feel different, big, and clumsy too, Everyday our hearts hurt wanting to be like you
one of the most beautiful poems i have read don't worry about fitting in we make are on way in life and fenders will come in time
I actually kinda feel bad that he’s anxious about writing again. As a man with autism (at least in my experience) it’s much easier to communicate through writing than it is face to face.
This boy is exceptional. He comprehends certain aspects that make him different. Why be like everyone else? We are told all the time that each one of us is like a snowflake, unique. So, why should or can't he enjoy his uniqueness without it appearing to be 'odd' as he says. Different is fine, it's perfect. I wish I were more odd, more different!
All wonderful, creative people are odd, are new. Just be you. Odd, beautiful and creative.
I'm pretty used to bored panda articles by now, especially emotional ones. When I clicked on this, I wasn't expecting it to hit me so hard... I'm pretty damn speechless rn.
SO AWESOME! I hope he comes to realize that a LOT of people feel the way he did when he wrote that!
This is an amazing story, an incredible young man, so intelligent, a bright future is ahead of him, thanks for sharing !!!
OMGosh this is one of the most touching and beautiful poems I've ever read. You are so adorable and talented. I hope that you keep on creating in whatever way you can. Thank you for this amazing poem! I had tears in my eyes and I'm an old lady! You are a child of God and God doesn't make junk!
This poem is amazing with raw insight and honesty. More power to you!
You can tell this kid is extremely intelligent. He has a high ability to process thought. That’s not odd - it’s rare. Subtle difference.
My ASD son once said, while we were driving home, that he just wanted to be like everyone else. I said "Why? If everyone was the same, what a boring world this would be. It's not the ones that are like everyone else that stand out in this world. It's the ones that dance to their own music that get noticed. Never let anyone shame you for being different. You are special, you are fun and I wouldn't want you any other way." Then I cranked the radio to a funky beat and we danced in the car all the way home, singing at the top of our lungs. I'm sure people around us thought we were crazy, but I really didn't care..we were having too much fun being noticed.....
Ben is odd - Ben is new But Ben's a poet & that's cool Sometimes creative people struggle Cuz they don't fit inside the bubble But when we learn to just embrace it Then watch the "normal" people chase it. ~ Good job Ben. You are the perfect you.
I relate too much I'm crying. I'm autistic, I have Asperger's syndrome and epilepsy. In class we are reading a book and the whole school is villainizing autistics, like me. Thank you for spreading the word Ben.
"he feels isolated, alone, misunderstood and odd at school" He's right that everyone else is too. Not sure anybody goes through childhood without feeling like this deep down. I had tons of friends and was always one of the "cool kids" but goddamn I could've written this poem for sure. Good on him for putting pen to paper like this. I loved it.
True artists reach in and touch souls. Benjamin just did that and made it look effortless. I hope his voice is nurtured and grows...we need it.
There are people who can, through their art, reach inside and touch souls. Benjamin just did that in the most effortless way. I hope his voice is nurtured and grows...we need it.
That is a beautiful poem and keep writing, drawing, and make people understand that you are you and no one can change that! You are an amazing inspiration!!
We are encouraging a boy who has a hard time expressing himself who found an outlet to let others know what he is feeling. I have an 11 year old with ASD. It is very hard for him to explain to me exactly what he is feeling. He can really only express grandiose, large feelings, in very basic terms. I would love to know what he is really feeling, especially because he is now at an age where the other kids are no longer sweet to each other, but are starting to enter into prepubescence, where they are notoriously mean to each other. At least half of the days he comes home he is sad or upset but can't really tell me much about why. What a sad way to live. If this little guy can express himself, we as parents, teachers and caregivers can help them sort out their problems. If we are ignorant about the issue, we can't. That's why! Good job Benjamin! Love, Your Supporters Everywhere
Load More Replies...I'm tearing up upon reading this. Having depression, I know how it feels to be out of touch with the world.
As a kid I felt the way he does. I'm so happy that we as a society are getting better at understand that we are all different, and that we all see things in a different way. I know we have a long ways to go, however seeing these articles gives me a little bit of hope for humanity.
Load More Replies...Amazing that he was able to express himself in the way that he did. Some kids with autism have a hard time expressing how they feel and he did it gracefully. It has reached thousands and he has accomplished a great deal in his life! Congrats.
It truly is hard but it is easier when you have lots of support from people who care.
Load More Replies...This is a nice poem. Hope the boy got more benefits than it's shown here from the song versions. It's sweet, sincere and interesting. And at the same time it's kinda relatable even if you don't have autism. Partially so at least. Hope Benjamin becomes successful in whatever he enjoys and choses to be.
One of my best friends for 8 years has Autism, and there are lots of kids at my school who don't let him forget it. They never make fun of him in front of me bc they know I'd stand up for him, but we don't have any classes together so I can't always be there to help him out. This poem really shows how society categorizes people who are different as "weird" or "odd". It's really sad.
I have felt like an outcast since age 12. Im now 38 and have never been able to put my feelings in to words that way that you have Benjamin. You are an inspiration to all of us who feel like aliens. Like we are floating in space. Different and separate from all the "normal other people". Be proud of who you are. You are special because you are one of us! You are a future leader for all us under dogs. Don't change and never quit - we are all with you. You have an army - so keep fighting! ♥️
This is a wonderful poem! It really touched home for me. I am not autistic, but I was picked on a lot growing up.
Benjamin that is a mic-drop poem! It will be like the Serenity Prayer, but not written by Anonymous. You only need one poem Ben and this is it.
this is better than the serenity prayer because you don't have to be religious to appreciate it.
Load More Replies...This is a wonderful poem. While it might be sad in some aspects, I think that he also wants to convey that he enjoys being special in his own way and that we should all feel the same about what makes us different. We are all special and all deserve to feel like we are a part of something.
This is a great poem!! Aside from the words and message, the repetition of lines creates flow and music. Also a great way to help people understand his point of view
Love this poem. We all have been that child, when we feel odd, and sometimes we can´t fit... Just love it.
I am ordinary, I am old I stopped all my wondering a long time ago I hear voices, but I really don’t care I just feel grateful to breath in fresh air I want to feel warm, and not icy cold I am ordinary, I am old I have no choice but to do as I’m told I feel like a prisoner trapped here on earth I long to go back to the moment of birth I wish I could walk, but I don’t have the strength I cry when I think about life’s tiny length I am ordinary, I am old I can’t seem to find any hope I can hold I was sent to this place by my daughter and son I thought they’d come see me, but that time is done I fit in just fine I know my life has been sold I am ordinary, I am old
When I read your poem, I felt the urge to write this. As a kind of answer I guess... pardon my broken english, it's not my first language ... I hope that somehow, it will reach you ! :) You are odd, you are new And so am I too My thoughts are no straight And that makes them afraid I am odd, I’m not new And I won’t pretend, I still feel blue Don’t pretend, you don’t have too You feel like you’re from outerspace, I’ll tell you a secret, we’re all out of place In a sort of way; You can cry, it’s okay Sometimes they don’t understand That when we cry, we make our stand We are odd, we are new Yes, you understand, you do, Keep thinking of that coming day You’ll fit in, it will be okay We’re all odd, we’re all new
My little brother has autism and I’m so glad there is something like this out here. Hopefully it makes everyone like him and Ben feel less alone. Beautiful! I almost cried!
Fitting in is over-rated. You are too special to fit in where you are planted now. Some day you will find your place and you will see that, as odd goes, you're not so much.
I'm crying because I relate too much. In class we are reading a book about an autistic kid and the teacher is villainizing autistics which does remind me, I'm odd, new, I try to fit in, but I cannot. I hear and see things they cannot and they laugh at me. Make fun of me. Tell me they are sorry for my loss. But no one died. It makes be cry when I'm at home. Thank you Ben for writing this, showing them, I am odd, I am new, I have aspergers.
What book are you reading? That sounds awful. Maybe you can talk to the teacher or guidance counselor about how it is impacting you?
Load More Replies...Aww this is so sweet. I did a similar thing last year for school and my teacher said I should get it published. She left the school now and I have no way to contact her, and I don’t know how to publish it, but it made me so happy. This kid is an inspiration!
now adding these lines to put you at ease We yearn to be as kind as you, teach us please. We read your words my new lil friend, Smile knowing, these bad days will end. Your loved by so many, an inspiration too. Close your eyes, take a breath, is what too do. When all is confusing, look into my eyes, It's not just you, that often cries. We all feel different, big, and clumsy too, Everyday our hearts hurt wanting to be like you.... James Edward Danley
now adding these lines to put you at ease We yearn to be as kind as you, teach us please. We read your words my new lil friend, Smile knowing, these bad days will end. Your loved by so many, an inspiration too. Close your eyes, take a breath, is what too do. When all is confusing, look into my eyes, It's not just you, that often cries. We all feel different, big, and clumsy too, Everyday our hearts hurt wanting to be like you
one of the most beautiful poems i have read don't worry about fitting in we make are on way in life and fenders will come in time
I actually kinda feel bad that he’s anxious about writing again. As a man with autism (at least in my experience) it’s much easier to communicate through writing than it is face to face.
This boy is exceptional. He comprehends certain aspects that make him different. Why be like everyone else? We are told all the time that each one of us is like a snowflake, unique. So, why should or can't he enjoy his uniqueness without it appearing to be 'odd' as he says. Different is fine, it's perfect. I wish I were more odd, more different!
All wonderful, creative people are odd, are new. Just be you. Odd, beautiful and creative.
I'm pretty used to bored panda articles by now, especially emotional ones. When I clicked on this, I wasn't expecting it to hit me so hard... I'm pretty damn speechless rn.
SO AWESOME! I hope he comes to realize that a LOT of people feel the way he did when he wrote that!
This is an amazing story, an incredible young man, so intelligent, a bright future is ahead of him, thanks for sharing !!!
OMGosh this is one of the most touching and beautiful poems I've ever read. You are so adorable and talented. I hope that you keep on creating in whatever way you can. Thank you for this amazing poem! I had tears in my eyes and I'm an old lady! You are a child of God and God doesn't make junk!
This poem is amazing with raw insight and honesty. More power to you!
You can tell this kid is extremely intelligent. He has a high ability to process thought. That’s not odd - it’s rare. Subtle difference.
My ASD son once said, while we were driving home, that he just wanted to be like everyone else. I said "Why? If everyone was the same, what a boring world this would be. It's not the ones that are like everyone else that stand out in this world. It's the ones that dance to their own music that get noticed. Never let anyone shame you for being different. You are special, you are fun and I wouldn't want you any other way." Then I cranked the radio to a funky beat and we danced in the car all the way home, singing at the top of our lungs. I'm sure people around us thought we were crazy, but I really didn't care..we were having too much fun being noticed.....
Ben is odd - Ben is new But Ben's a poet & that's cool Sometimes creative people struggle Cuz they don't fit inside the bubble But when we learn to just embrace it Then watch the "normal" people chase it. ~ Good job Ben. You are the perfect you.
I relate too much I'm crying. I'm autistic, I have Asperger's syndrome and epilepsy. In class we are reading a book and the whole school is villainizing autistics, like me. Thank you for spreading the word Ben.
"he feels isolated, alone, misunderstood and odd at school" He's right that everyone else is too. Not sure anybody goes through childhood without feeling like this deep down. I had tons of friends and was always one of the "cool kids" but goddamn I could've written this poem for sure. Good on him for putting pen to paper like this. I loved it.
True artists reach in and touch souls. Benjamin just did that and made it look effortless. I hope his voice is nurtured and grows...we need it.
There are people who can, through their art, reach inside and touch souls. Benjamin just did that in the most effortless way. I hope his voice is nurtured and grows...we need it.
That is a beautiful poem and keep writing, drawing, and make people understand that you are you and no one can change that! You are an amazing inspiration!!
We are encouraging a boy who has a hard time expressing himself who found an outlet to let others know what he is feeling. I have an 11 year old with ASD. It is very hard for him to explain to me exactly what he is feeling. He can really only express grandiose, large feelings, in very basic terms. I would love to know what he is really feeling, especially because he is now at an age where the other kids are no longer sweet to each other, but are starting to enter into prepubescence, where they are notoriously mean to each other. At least half of the days he comes home he is sad or upset but can't really tell me much about why. What a sad way to live. If this little guy can express himself, we as parents, teachers and caregivers can help them sort out their problems. If we are ignorant about the issue, we can't. That's why! Good job Benjamin! Love, Your Supporters Everywhere
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