After the Secret

Dec 29, 2024

Digital illustration in anime style shows a Gothic cathedral interior. Afternoon light through a broken stained glass window casts green beams across hardwood floors. A discarded superhero cape lies centered on the floor, while a human shadow stretches toward it in farewell. The shadow's source remains unseen. The composition uses gothic arches and parallel lines to guide focus. Illustrates the poem 'After the Secret' about autistic identity and moving beyond masking toward authenticity. Digital tools included AI. — Detail from “After the Secret,” digital illustration by the author.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published

I have strengths.  
Not one is my superpower.  
I have challenges.  
Not one is my kryptonite.  

I'm that kid in third grade   
Drop 
drop 
dropping  
A mysterious blue crystal 
Into that test tube—  
Squealing in delight 
Every time it explodes…  
In purple streams.

I love cosplay.  
But I don’t have to fly  
Wear a mask  
Or sport a cape  
To be autistic.

Still…

I get to be the hero  
or bald evil genius  
of my own life.

After the Secret

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