“Stranded” By a 6th Grade Student

This poem was written in my creative writing class by a young girl with Asperger’s. She’s in the 6th grade, and wishes to remain anonymous.

She looks away when I talk, never says a word, and walks out of the room at random intervals without warning. I often wonder what’s going on inside her.

That’s why I love reading her writing every week. A window opens up, allowing the world to watch her wonderful mind at work. See for yourself.

STRANDED

I sigh as I slash through the waist-deep water on the boat 

I don’t mind getting wet
but the water is cold 

Why I thought it would be fun to go sailing in Alaska
I don’t know
That’s the way people end to be
looking for worthless, troublesome things 

Many, like me, have found themselves stranded as a result 

I try for a signal on my radio
but there isn’t any 
The water stretches as far as
I can see 

My outfit is soaked 
I’m trembling in the cold
That’s when I notice something 

A long ray of green light 
It’s source must literally be sky-high 
I have the distinct feeling that 
something dreadful is probing me, searching for me 

I adjust the sail, but there’s no wind and the motor was ruined a while ago

Suddenly, the beam hits me and …