Γιάννης Ζορμπαλάς Performance Poetry / IN THE SOUL'S SPECTRUM

ΣΤΟ ΦΑΣΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΨΥΧΗΣ ( Performance Poetry, video: Γιάννης Ζορμπαλάς )
Γ΄ ΒΡΑΒΕΙΟ Ποίησης 10 ου Διεθνή Λογοτεχν. Διαγωνισμού
ΟΜΙΛΟΥ UNESCO ΤΕΧΝΩΝ ΛΟΓΟΥ & ΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΩΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ
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IN THE SOUL'S SPECTRUM ( Poem about the autism spectrum turns into a song )

-It is me mate, your neighbour. The one next door,
who belongs not, as you see it, in the same world as you.
I greet you, but you return a frigid ‘hi’
and I carry my pain to my Special Ed course.

I fend off pity and finger-pointing,
officially I am a “special person”.
I have a clear sky and a pure heart,
despite not acting now and then like others act.

Feelings I don’t put into words
--Words do not help me use them…
but friend, my heart’s my spokesman
its beating spells “I love you”.

In my routine hide interests,
Rare gifts in my isolation!
I am happy when you are happy too
I am special and have for things a different view.

While you look at woods or at a mountain range,
I admire a single flower cling on a rocky crevice.
And when you dream by moon- or by star- light
I trace those stars, their secrets learn under the same light.

And when you hear me sometimes, speak to myself alone,
my words chase dreams and thoughts inside my own mind.
I like to closely to all the silent sounds…
I prefer it if you touch me soul to another soul.

Nothing to do I want with gatherings and noise
I much prefer a violin orchestra for delight.
I take flourishes of speech literally all too often
I fight with the sword of Truth like Digenes Akritas.

I am unique like all of you – just think a different way.
On paper equal to all, but I feel not so!
You may find my interests dull
but they are how I drown my fear of all that stresses me out.

I am different, I belong to that so-named “Spectrum”
and I fight prejudice outside of my own!
I make my own nature’s much convoluted puzzle,
and find my own soul’s rhythm in paths hidden to others.

Indifference cuts me like a blade…
I seek people’s acceptance
If you believe in me, I’ll be a hero for life
a proud flag carrier in the Special Olympics!

Look into my soul and I’ll trust you.
Look into my soul and find a true friend.
Welcome you’ll be in my heart’s garden
I will reveal to you my soul’s true colors.

I can surmount mountains with your love.
I can fight hard for my life dreams.
I was born autistic. I am the next door one.
I will bring down castles to enter your world!
……
Poetry: Giannis Zorbalas (3rd prize in the poetry competition organised by UNESCO Club, Greece)
Poem about the autism spectrum turns into a song
Music composition/orchestration/performance: Makis Tsigantes
Music production/ orchestration: Manolis Matsos