What Did He Say? | Teen Ink

What Did He Say?

May 24, 2013
By ajg1022 BRONZE, Cazenovia, New York
ajg1022 BRONZE, Cazenovia, New York
4 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Our prime purpose in life is to help others, and if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama


“What did he say, what did he say?”
The question haunts me all night and all day.
They don’t understand, they think he’s messed up,
But really he’s different because of a little bad luck.

“What did he say, what did he say?”
The question haunts me all night and all day.
He’s a little bit slow; he can’t talk quite right,
But that doesn’t mean that he isn’t bright.

He’s fun, he’s happy; he can always make you smile.
Try to get to know him, sit and talk for a while.
Listen hard and don’t be sad.
You’ll find talking to him isn’t that bad!

“What did he say, what did he say?”
The question haunts me all night and all day.
I try my best, but there’s only so much I can do.
Now the rest is up to you.


The author's comments:
This poem is about my dear friend Harry, who has Down syndrome. I've known Harry for nine years; we met in kindergarten. I didn't know he had Down syndrome at the time, I just knew he was my friend. When he talks, it is very hard to understand him. I am one of the few people who is fortunate enough to be able to understand him. That along with our friendship is a known fact at my school. And on multiple occasions, I'm with Harry when he starts talking to another student or even a teacher. The person he's talking to can't understand him, so they ask me, "What did he say?" Sometimes I tell them, other times I respond with, "He's right here. Ask him yourself!" It's frustrating for both me and Harry. Harry doesn't get the respect he deserves and I hope this poem can make other "Harrys" in the world get their deserved respect.

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This article has 6 comments.


ajg1022 BRONZE said...
on Jun. 12 2013 at 2:32 pm
ajg1022 BRONZE, Cazenovia, New York
4 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Our prime purpose in life is to help others, and if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama

Thank you again! :)

on Jun. 12 2013 at 9:41 am
EmmaClaire0823 GOLD, Bay Minette, Alabama
13 articles 0 photos 102 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

I have a cousin that would be considered a "Harry" and I know that if people would just try and have patience with him they would understand he isn't that different.  The line, "He's fun, he's happy; he can always makes you smile," is 100% true, and I am really glad you included it. Great job, again. 

ajg1022 BRONZE said...
on Jun. 11 2013 at 6:24 pm
ajg1022 BRONZE, Cazenovia, New York
4 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Our prime purpose in life is to help others, and if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama

Thank you! I couldn't agree more with you when you say "you'll get a new friend."

ajg1022 BRONZE said...
on Jun. 11 2013 at 6:22 pm
ajg1022 BRONZE, Cazenovia, New York
4 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Our prime purpose in life is to help others, and if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama

Thank you so much! That means a lot.

sarah98 BRONZE said...
on Jun. 8 2013 at 7:38 pm
sarah98 BRONZE, Holyoke, Massachusetts
1 article 0 photos 405 comments

Favorite Quote:
It is better to write for yourself and have no audience than write for your audience and have no self.

really sweet! the rhythm was smooth and even, and i understood the story. this is fantastic

on Jun. 8 2013 at 10:39 am
EmmaClaire0823 GOLD, Bay Minette, Alabama
13 articles 0 photos 102 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

This is really sweet and true. I am sure the "Harrys" out in the world would agree. They don't like being treated differently. Just talk to them like you would a normal person and it will take patience but you'll get a new friend.  And the poem was well writen. It flowed very smoothly and the thoughts were organized well. Good job!