Most of you know that April is National Poetry month, but it is also Autism Awareness month. What better time than now to highlight one we have come to know and love here at dVerse Poets, Gretchen Leary.
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Paper Wings
by Gretchen Leary
“When I grow up”
(She pauses)
With a puff to
Blow back sticky
Dark chocolate
Bangs to see
More clearly
“I want to be a hero”
She whispers
As she fiddles
With her
Powder Pink
Chubby crayon-
Wax sticking to
The side of
Her tiny hand
Smudging rainbows
On the page
Frazzled, she
Starts over
Lost in a “Narnia“
Of thoughts
She wonders
Just how old a
Hero should be
And what they
Might look like
Not like her
That’s for sure
She furrows her
Brow in a
No nonsense
Determined way
Biting her little
Lower lip
With worry
While a tear
Drops, splashing
Down onto
Her drawing
As she prays
For wings again.
Gretchen is the author of Welcome to My Yesterday and Monochrome under her maiden name, Gretchen Gundel. She just had a birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday, Gretchen! Do you feel grown up now?
Haha, yes… I suppose I do.
We’ll have to talk about that another time, because I’m way older than you and still feel like I’m twenty-eight!
You speak openly about some of your challenges. Please share with us your thoughts.
I have a condition called Aspergers Syndrome (also called High Functioning Autism by some). I’m not sure which part of my journey with Aspergers to share as I was born with it. I wasn’t diagnosed until I was twenty three… females are less easy to spot with it at times. The sensory overload that I experience is a double-edged sword. It has given me a knack with imagery in my writing, but has come at great cost in the “real world”.
Care to elaborate?
Aside from everyday sensory issues, making friends has always been a struggle. I do well one on one at times but I have issues with dominating conversations and becoming too intense and when I am in group settings I tend to be incredibly anxious and try to avoid them altogether. There are some exceptions but they are usually revolving around my “special interests” that people with ASD are known to have.
Listen
by Gretchen Leary
Embraced by a redefining memory
and a reviving sense of healing,
I am slowly rebuilding my inner voice
So that you may hear me-
Let me be.
Let me breathe.
Let me speak.
Just stand beside me and hold my hand
Let us lead instead of follow-
Let us teach the world to understand
What may seem different
Or may seem broken
Is simply a misperception of who I am.
Do you have any long-term goals?
Right now, I’m trying to get a children’s book published to promote understanding for others on the Autism Spectrum and other disabilities that might not be obvious to the naked eye.
That sounds wonderful. Please keep us posted.
![gretchen[1]](https://dversepoets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/gretchen1.jpg)
Free Hugs
by Gretchen Leary
A handmade sign
Reading “Free Hugs”
In the corner of
my eye in a
sea of “I’m fine”
City poker faces
in Times Square
of all places
Where no one
“has the time” to
stop & wonder
Why he feels the
need to offer
Friendship to a
Complete stranger
Where are you from, Gretchen?
I was born in the Philippines on a Naval Base in 1986, but quickly moved to Massachusetts. I’ve lived in the Boston area most of my life, but I have also lived in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Houston.
How long have you been writing poetry? I’ve been writing poetry since I was in high school.
I hope you don’t mind my sharing your very first poem that you wrote in 9th grade. I found it on your blog.
Masterpiece By the Sea
By Gretchen Anne Gundel
While building a sandcastle,
I build slowly carefully making perfect grooves,
Molding walls and bridges making sure they’re smooth.
Creating each bold new tower,
Making each one strong and tall.
The middle,
The biggest,
Tallest of them all.
Now that I am finished,
I lay back and admire,
My pride glows like the flame of a fire.
As stars begin to shimmer like silver along the vast charcoal sky,
Across the beach I roam,
Leaving behind a small trail of footprints which lead to my home.
I still remember that masterpiece of mine.
But it is only one of them,
All great and fine.
Is there a particular poetry form you favor over another?
My favorite type of poetry is loaded with imagery and beat. I was taught that good poetry is like painting with words, and so I am always amazed when a writer can bring the reader into the moment with words. I tend to lean towards very emotional/intense poetry. Emily Dickinson was a huge inspiration for me years ago but since then music has truly become one of my biggest sources of inspiration.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Now it’s time for questions from dVerse Poets in the comments section. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with.
Info on social media/ how to reach Gretchen.
@GretchenLeary (Twitter), (Facebook) , Gretchen Leary (main website)
You can click on these links to find out more about Gretchen’s involvement in Autism/ Aspergers awareness.
dVerse 
I enjoy this segment at dVerse. Thank you, Laurie and Gretchen. It’s fun to learn more about you, Gretchen. I find myself flooded with feeling when I read your poetry. I am savoring your poem “Paper WIngs” at the moment. I hope your birthday was wonderful!
Thank-you Jane. Most of my emotions feel very intense and I guess that carries over to my poetry 🙂
what a wonderful spotlight laurie.. gretchen is an outstanding poet and gretchen, i love how openly you talk about your dealing with asperger syndrome..very cool on the children’s book project as well and happy belated birthday!!!
I try to be as open as I can but its also my nature. Thank-you for the compliment & birthday wishes!
Fabulous to see you spotlighted here, Gretchen, and greatly deserved. It’s nice to know a little more about you. Can I ask, other than the social difficulties that you have shared with us, what other problems have you faced as a result of your Asperger’s?
Sensory issues are a big issue that I deal with. Florescent lights, vaccuums, sirens, alarms, socks, clothing tags, the weather…they can be extremely agitating. I almost always have my sunglasses on my head if Im not wearing them (even at night) and I bring my headphones for music as well.. Perseveration is another biggie. Bullying and being taken advantage of because of social issues has also been a common problem.
Thanks for your answer, Gretchen. I admire your honesty. I’m also a fan of your writing; you are really talented.
Thanks too to Laurie for another fantastic interview in this series.
So nice to learn more about the person behind your wonderful words, Gretchen. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Your poems are filled with such intensity and fabulous imagery, I look forward to seeing more of you work. Thanks for another great Spotlight, Laurie!
Thank-you Kelly! 🙂
painting with words….nice…i can get into that…i appreciate your openess as well…i work with and have worked with a kid that is an aspie…he is one of my fav kids…great to see you spotlighted as well gretchen…keep championing those other aspie’s…its def a challenge…and look at you…hosting and now spotlighted…smiles.
love your verse ma’am
Aww Brian, I am sure you can find something to do with him for Autism Awareness month! Thats a great idea! 🙂
Laurie and Gretchen, thank you so much for what you’ve shared with us. I’m much older and disorders on the Autism spectrum weren’t really recognized when I was young and I don’t remember a word about them even when I studied nursing in the 60’s. But I’ve come to identify with certain aspects of Asperger’s–especially the sensory overload issues. And this interview brings it even more to my attention. I have to wonder……In any case, I admire your poetry, Gretchen, and your courage in bringing your story and talent to us.
Thank-you Victoria! That’s a big compliment.
Here is a link to some information about females with Aspergers although the DSM-V will be grouping together all of the spectrum disorders under “Autism Spectrum Disorder”
http://www.aane.org/about_asperger_syndrome/asperger_syndrome_females.html
Gretchen, you are a remarkable woman… I’m so glad I got the chance to get to know you a little better.
Thanks for your comments, y’all.
It has been a huge honor to share my story. Thank-you for doing this Laurie. It means a lot to me. 🙂
Thanks Laurie for these insightful interviews – and Gretchen I think it is wonderful you are working on publishing a book about your illness to educate people about the unseen diseases, especially if for young people to read. Of course the experience feed your unique poetry..
Thank-you! I hope the book helps make a difference.
Best.Interview.Ever. Laurie, thank you for such a mixture of person and poetry. Gretchen, thank you for caring to explain and for the vividness and originality of your poems. Keep writing!
(I can’t get to Blogger from my current location, but hope to slide some poetry your way when I do. Happy NaPoWriMo, Pub-Crawlers. Happy Spring everyone.)
Thank-you for reading/listening 🙂
I really enjoyed the poems chosen to sprinkle through the interview. ‘Twas a great introduction.
Laurie, you asked for questions — so here are a few for when Gretchen visits us again:
(1) You are married — could you tell us something of your husband — is he an Aspie? Kids?
(2) What do you do for a living? Other Hobbies/ Obsessions 🙂
(3) What are some of your favorite ways you experiment with poetry?
(4) Do you know other Aspie poets/authors?
(5) They say that aside from some of the social issues, much of the limitations of Aspie are grown out of by adulthood. Have you found that?
PS: My exposure to Aspies is limited: I think one of my bosses was/is an undiagnosed ASD — we have talked about it and it has helped him deal better with his world in these last 3 years. We are close to two families with Aspie kids who are my kids age – it is a challenge. In my WeiQi club, we had several Aspie players– their social skills are an issue but when we play games or are chatting about games, they are brilliant, insightful and fun to talk to. It doesn’t show at times like that.
Hi Sabio! 🙂
Here are your answers:
1) My wife and I do not have any kids but we hope to one day
2) Office admin work. Lots of data entry. Obsessions? Haha. Seinfeld, Seaworld, Musicals, Old TV sitcoms, photography, singing…
3) Hmm, I like using alliteration and internal rhyme and using it to create a rhythm and strong mood.
4) I have actually connected with several other writers on the Spectrum. I hope to meet more (on-line) I struggle with face to face interactions unless it is 1 on 1 or I know them very well – but if I am anxious enough – I wont even want to answer my phone so the rules do change depending on how stressed out I am.
5) i don’t think its that we grow out of those traits most of the time but that we are taught to become more self aware and have to fight certain behaviors in public. Coping skills are key 🙂
@ Gretchen,
Hey, thanx for the answers.
(1) Yeah, I thought about guessing that you were with a woman, but I thought “hmmmm, changed her name — not sure I’ve seen that in lesbian relationships.” And looks like you’ll be all ready with kids poems when the family comes along.
(2) “Singing”! ah, that must help with hearing the sound of poetry. Today, in my car, I forced myself to listen to some country music and listen to the stress patterns– at least in country you can hear the words! 🙂
(3) Cool
(4) Thanx for sharing. “The Spectrum” is an interesting phrase. I wonder if that have that for anxious-depressives, manic-depressives, neat-sloppy and all those other spectrums we all fall on! 😉 Tis interesting how apparently freeing it must be to use written communication then — is it? Of do some anxieties come up even when interacting on line?
(5) Interesting — thanx.
wonderful Prompt Gretchen !
I did post a poem on my page if interested~ thank you Gretchen ~ Blessings
I will go take a look 🙂
Wonderful interview Laurie! Gretchen it’s one if my favorite poets. Thank you for sharing, Gretchen, and happy birthday (a little late!)
Thank-you Heidi! 🙂
I posted that from my phone it should read Gretchen is one of my favorite poets.
Glad you enjoyed it, Heidi.
belated wishes for your bdday Gretchen. So glad to have read this (thanks to Laurie) … YOu are a wonderful poetess and even more a wonderful person. You are truely an inspiration!
Thank-you! That is a big compliment :). Sorry for the delayed response. Haven’t been feeling very well the last couple days.
Thank you, Laurie, for a wonderfully inspiring interview with Gretchen. She is a most talented and skilled poet and I enjoy her writings very much. Really loved “Listen” portrayed here…beautiful. I can identify with the sensory overload myself…have to know when to pull myself in and spend some alone time.
Gretchen, I wish you great success with your book. It’s a great idea!
Gayle ~
Thank-you! I hope this book makes a difference. I really really do 🙂
Love, love this post. Thank you!
Great interview! I continue to enjoy your poetry and its imagery. What was your favorite Emily Dickinson poem? Mine began: “I am nobody, who are you?” – A Free Verse @afreeverse
I actually don’t know any by title. I have just always admired her intensity and depth. 🙂
…i have enjoyed reading your poetry Gretchen… it speaks volume of wisdom with fine musical quality that i truly adore… i am glad to know you were born in Subic… i have never been there but i would love to go there… that place has a very significant part in Philippine history… thanks for sharing part of yourself here… i was deeply touched by your ‘Free Hugs’ poem… thank you for inspiring many in the world…
..thanks Laurie for yet another wonderful feature article…
..smiles…
Thank-you Kelvin. Always love reading your work. 🙂
How lovely to find out more about you, Gretchen! I’ve always found your poems very moving, speaking deeply to me.
Let me be.
Let me breathe.
Let me speak.
This gives me goosebumps!
Does it feel sometimes like you are a fruit that has been over-peeled and therefore each little sound or flash of light or remark grates and scratches you more than it should?
It definitely can feel overwhelming. It being everything. Poetry is a good outlet but I think some people are turned off my by intensity- I have always been this way.
Great interview. 🙂
Wow! Gretchen, you just gained a new fan in me…love your words. May you be a bright light shining hope by sharing your gift with the world-best wishes with the children’s book – sounds great!
Thanks for the interview, Laurie!
Thank-you! The illustrator is also on the Spectrum. I started the whole process for the book last year so when its finished I will be so excited and somewhat relieved 🙂
What a lovely young woman, and a terrific worker with words. I’d like to see her get her children’s book published. It sounds like a great little addition to any school or library–home or otherwise.
Thanks for the great interview, Laurie.
Thank-you 🙂
You’re certainly more than welcome, Gretchen
Laurie, thanks for putting a spotlight (duck, Gretchen!) on one of my new friends. We connected b/c Riley has Asperger’s as well and was not diagnosed until she was 24.
Gretchen, please tell us your feelings about the man in Newtown who has Aspie’s and how people who don’t understand say he should have been medicated. Also about how Newtown has become the thing they point to about mental health checks for gun owners. You know how I feel about it.
Finally, I have to say, your accomplishments have come in part from the ironic “gift” of being an Aspie. Just as Riles used to doodle in the margins of all her school work, so her art has thrived. The single-mindedness and amazing achievements of most folks I know with Asperger’s… makes me mad they shoved Asperger’s back into the Autism Spectrum.
Writing from the BiPoPTSD/OCD Spectrum, thanks to you both! Love, Amy
The Newtown incident made me feel so sad. Sad that people assume that he did what he did just because he was on the Autism Spectrum (did they ever confirm that he actually was for sure even?) People so readily pointed fingers and decided that Autism made him a killer. That to me is pure ignorance… And so sad.
I agree that the intensity that some people appreciate in my writing is a direct result of me being on the Spectrum. Its a double edged sword.
Great Interview Laurie, fantastic getting to know you more Gretchen, always have enjoyed reading the work you’ve shared with us here. Thanks for doing the spotlight.