I don't often leave comments due to my anxiety but I shall make an exception because I am just as terrified as you. Loneliness is such a fatal disease.
"And yet, I secretly appreciate a swing set all to myself, a conversation just for me. The winds blowing in my face from a mile away." I especially relate to this, because while I almost always feel lonely, being in complete solitude at least offers some peace, whereas being around happy, normal, oblivious people just arouses envy and anxiety.
The gasps for breath in between lines add so much emotion to this. As someone with extreme anxiety, the way he breathes reminds me of the way I try to breathe during a panic attack, and that really drives the point he's making.
One of the most beautiful poems I've ever come across. "Do you know anyone else with such a passion for words?" It's crazy how much I relate to that, I wish I knew people my age who have that trait, and when I meet someone like that I want to marry them. I suppose as I get older and when I put myself more out in the writing community I'll meet lots of people like that.
Courage is the ability to move through fear to live the life we want. I raise my glass to your courage, and drink to our shared fear of people. Great job!
my mother's boyfriend always tells me "you can make friends!! you can be social!! you just have to T R Y!". he fails to realize that the intense fear that accompanies being around my peers is too much for me to overcome, that it comes with nausea and a racing pulse and hyperventilation and sometimes tears. part of me wants to show him this, part of me doesn't care if he ever understands and just wants to avoid the subject until i am old enough to move out. i'm so glad i heard this, though. i always thought i was exceptionally far gone, that a fear this great couldn't possibly be the autism (i still think i may have avpd), but it's good to know not only am i not alone, but someone just as terrified as me made it onto Button Poetry. i too hope to find myself on here someday.
I AM LITERALLY SITTING ON A SWING SET ALONE AT 330AM SHARP. HOMELESS WITH NO ONE. THAT ONE LINE COULDNT BE MORE TRUE....there is nothing more peacfull than sitting here by myself. Its so quiet. No distarctions. No people. No nothing. Not even no.
That was amazing. Even though I don't have social anxiety I can relate to this. I am SUPER self conscious and started college at the age of 16. Not everyone understands, people my own age make me uncomfortable. I spend more time with my computer than I do with my family and friends, and I've gotten to the point where I prefer it. Because seeing people means, talking, and talking means explaining, and explaining is something I just don't want to do anymore. THANK YOU FOR THIS POEM!!!!
IAIN, I AM SO SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! I knew how excellent you were at camp, but this is beyond outstanding. I'm so happy for you and looking forward to seeing your future in poetry!
I woke up feeling like crap this morning. I might not be quoting it word for word, but "when you look at me, I'm already thinking of what you're thinking of me." Yes. People don't believe I'm serious.
This touches me so much; I also have Aspergers, which is, to me, a benefit. I confuse my words a lot as well; which would explain why I stay online a lot. Again, thank you for this poem
TurtleKing777 You're one of those people who like comparing this illness to that and trying to belittle the problems others face just because you think yours are worse. It's fucking 2016. Can everybody stop doing that. Christ!
Wow um no but thanks for freaking out. I actually am saying you cannot compare two completely different disorders and say that you know how another person with something you do not have must feel
How? Because I told you that social anxiety and autism are different? No that is stating a fact. A fact that is literally written in the DSM, the big book of psychological disorders doctors use to give out diagnosis to people.
i have resigned to the fact that i will essentially never be normal.. and that sooner or later i'll meet people who stay close to me, even if i'm just a ghost who walks without a purpose, until times ignites a spark for me to.. bloom
+Ian Kohn Hello, perhaps this is irrelevant- but this has helped me in ways I can't express, I have social anxiety and my only friend remains a screen. I just want to thank you for coming out and saying it, it couldn't have been easy. Can't thank you enough.
Wow this is literally me, gosh I wish I could be friends with him. There's something really wonderful about bonding with people over similar mental illness cuz it feels like at least someone out there gets you and your fucked up mind.
I have Asperger's Syndrome and I have friends but I don't get to see them or talk to them a lot because we all have our own lives and sometimes those lives don't include our friends from when we were kids.
"Does that mean I can do anything?" - Christopher Boone, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" (stage version). Ya know, the more I see what people on the spectrum can do, I lean further towards "yes" every day. Of course, not every spectrum-y person can do "anything," but this population as a whole does not have to write anything off of its "can do" list. Amazing. What else can we do?
My Mother: You're fine you just need to get out and socialize more, I know how you feel I used to be like that too. My Sister Whom has already traveled to quite a few places: I know it's scary at first but once you get out there you'll love it! I try to accurately explain to them about how I feel, but even in their presence, the people I love and trust the most, I will still get togue twisted and my words jumbled into a stuttering mess, and they will try to guess what I was trying to say and assume they were right while I am left red-faced with embarrassment and humiliation agreeing with whatever they came up with, wanting nothing more than to crawl to my room and curl up in my blankets. To play on my computer where I'm just another faceless being in a hidden crowd behind the safety of a screen.
Même le désespoir ne s’écrit pas sans espoir! Dans une boite ou il y as tout les mots maux! en 1 mot mot en 2 mot momo! Happy breizh day! Lataupestyle autiste!
"Once you look at me
I'm already thinking of
what you're thinking of me...."
I can relate so much 😳😟
omg i know that feeling
That hit me
I don't often leave comments due to my anxiety but I shall make an exception because I am just as terrified as you.
Loneliness is such a fatal disease.
It will silently and slowly devour you. It will leave nothing but an empty space..
Tien bon mec comme le chat! Happy breizh day !
The most fatal* yet the most comforting
"And yet, I secretly appreciate a swing set all to myself, a conversation just for me. The winds blowing in my face from a mile away." I especially relate to this, because while I almost always feel lonely, being in complete solitude at least offers some peace, whereas being around happy, normal, oblivious people just arouses envy and anxiety.
HE PUT IT INTO WORDS
This is such a remarkable and beautiful piece of art, thank you so much.
The gasps for breath in between lines add so much emotion to this. As someone with extreme anxiety, the way he breathes reminds me of the way I try to breathe during a panic attack, and that really drives the point he's making.
I have Asperger's Syndrome and also severe anxiety, this speaks to me so much. Thank you for this, Iain.
Me too 💚
i fell in love from the first line
One of the most beautiful poems I've ever come across. "Do you know anyone else with such a passion for words?" It's crazy how much I relate to that, I wish I knew people my age who have that trait, and when I meet someone like that I want to marry them. I suppose as I get older and when I put myself more out in the writing community I'll meet lots of people like that.
Courage is the ability to move through fear to live the life we want. I raise my glass to your courage, and drink to our shared fear of people. Great job!
This right here. This was the poem I needed. I never thought I'd find someone writing a poem about this. I'm glad I did.
my mother's boyfriend always tells me "you can make friends!! you can be social!! you just have to T R Y!". he fails to realize that the intense fear that accompanies being around my peers is too much for me to overcome, that it comes with nausea and a racing pulse and hyperventilation and sometimes tears. part of me wants to show him this, part of me doesn't care if he ever understands and just wants to avoid the subject until i am old enough to move out. i'm so glad i heard this, though. i always thought i was exceptionally far gone, that a fear this great couldn't possibly be the autism (i still think i may have avpd), but it's good to know not only am i not alone, but someone just as terrified as me made it onto Button Poetry. i too hope to find myself on here someday.
Same for me
Gosh dang, this spoke to my heart because I am exactly the same way.
I have Aspergers and all my life I’ve been shamed because of it this poem touches me
he has a beautiful voice, and if he really is as shy as he says he is, is really brave, to stand in a stage and scream his feelings out
I AM LITERALLY SITTING ON A SWING SET ALONE AT 330AM SHARP.
HOMELESS WITH NO ONE.
THAT ONE LINE COULDNT BE MORE TRUE....there is nothing more peacfull than sitting here by myself. Its so quiet. No distarctions. No people. No nothing. Not even no.
An inspiration that makes realizations that your afflictions are somehow your own superpower
That was amazing. Even though I don't have social anxiety I can relate to this. I am SUPER self conscious and started college at the age of 16. Not everyone understands, people my own age make me uncomfortable. I spend more time with my computer than I do with my family and friends, and I've gotten to the point where I prefer it. Because seeing people means, talking, and talking means explaining, and explaining is something I just don't want to do anymore. THANK YOU FOR THIS POEM!!!!
I love how much passion and expression Iain put into this poem, it is truly beautiful to see what goes into poems like these. Thank you.
IAN YOURE ON BUTTON AND IM SO PROUD OF YOU AND ILYSM FRIEND AWE
As someone with aspergers syndrome, this poem couldn't have been more relatable. Bravo!
You're not alone. We are all warriors.
man, this is so me I'm glad someone finally put what I feel inside out there.
The exceptional amount of talent and courage he achieved so sensationally
Over 200,000 views!!! Congratulations Iain from your biggest fan!!! I love you more than your beautiful words could ever express.
This one of my favorite button poems and I have to say I love button poetry more than I love most of my family.
"I'm terrified of people"...... Hits home. 💔
This poem is great
IAIN, I AM SO SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! I knew how excellent you were at camp, but this is beyond outstanding. I'm so happy for you and looking forward to seeing your future in poetry!
I'm shaking I was left speechless at the end of this, someone actually put into words what I was feeling and I'm just amazed. This is amazing.
they put it into words.
this is art, people. art.
I woke up feeling like crap this morning. I might not be quoting it word for word, but "when you look at me, I'm already thinking of what you're thinking of me." Yes. People don't believe I'm serious.
This touches me so much; I also have Aspergers, which is, to me, a benefit. I confuse my words a lot as well; which would explain why I stay online a lot. Again, thank you for this poem
I understand all these feelings - I feel them myself. Thank you for putting them into words and sharing them.
"I AM TERRIFIED OF PEOPLE" i felt that bc same 💔
Thank you for this.
At last most of myself in clear words. I wish everyone the very best.
They're such a great performer
I have social anxiety too
Not the same as having ASD my friend
TurtleKing777 You're one of those people who like comparing this illness to that and trying to belittle the problems others face just because you think yours are worse. It's fucking 2016. Can everybody stop doing that. Christ!
Wow um no but thanks for freaking out. I actually am saying you cannot compare two completely different disorders and say that you know how another person with something you do not have must feel
TurtleKing777 you just did the same thing
How? Because I told you that social anxiety and autism are different? No that is stating a fact. A fact that is literally written in the DSM, the big book of psychological disorders doctors use to give out diagnosis to people.
This got me crying. I feel the same way.
Did you read my journal? Beautiful
i have resigned to the fact that i will essentially never be normal..
and that sooner or later i'll meet people who stay close to me, even if i'm just a ghost who walks without a purpose, until times ignites a spark for me to.. bloom
I'm reminded how much I love your performances every time I see you speak. I'm so proud of you :)
I saw this a while back and I'm so glad you made it onto button! Awesome awesome poem, really struck a chord with me.
This poem is literally the story of my life
Seriously amazing. My 20 year old brother has asperger's
I can relate so much , this is why i love slam poetry
Iain, you're so special.
I love this so much you literally put everything I think and feel into words .
He has a great speaking voice. Bravo!
Yo, Button, little heads-up: due to some gender issues I'm now spelling my first name as Iain. Thanks in advance!
+Ian Kohn Hey! Thanks for the awesome poem! In regards to the spelling please contact Get Lit; any changes have to be made through them.
+Ian Kohn Iain, your poem is exquisite. You are very talented. Do you have any of your work published anywhere?
+Ian Kohn Changed!
+Ian Kohn Hello, perhaps this is irrelevant- but this has helped me in ways I can't express, I have social anxiety and my only friend remains a screen. I just want to thank you for coming out and saying it, it couldn't have been easy. Can't thank you enough.
Thank you so much for this poem..
OH MY GOD CONGRATS I'm so proud of you :)
this video took my breath away and got me thinking a lot
so fucking proud of you, i love you!!!
This made me reflect upon something. I absolutely love solitude, yet I hate being alone. Interesting...
Yo I love this. It's really awesome to hear poetry geared to people like us for once.
i am in awe.
Your words are powerful.
BEAUTIFUL!
loved this poem
Wow this is literally me, gosh I wish I could be friends with him.
There's something really wonderful about bonding with people over similar mental illness cuz it feels like at least someone out there gets you and your fucked up mind.
wow you just made me cry inside :')
Thank you
this speaks to me too
Very, very powerful.
HECK YEAH IAN!!! I SCREAMED WHEN I SAW THIS. YOU KILLED IT. I'M SO PROUD OF YOU.
DAMN HOMIE.
Oh dear..
I have Asperger's Syndrome and I have friends but I don't get to see them or talk to them a lot because we all have our own lives and sometimes those lives don't include our friends from when we were kids.
This is beautiful
i needed this. thank you.
just like me ! beautiful
This is amazing Iain!
This poem talks so much with me that makes me scared
Relatable.
Damn, Iain. This is all of it.
Yes I love this so much
I constantly terrified of people and everytime I post something on social media I always thought People will thought I'm looking for attention
Basically, my life story. Thank you for your words. :)
thank you.... this explains me
This is amazing!
could totally relate! very well spoken x
YES KILLING IT
do nothing? no selfies? sign me up
Can I like this more than once please
yea
He looks so much like Vance Joy...
Hahh that's how I got drew into watch him
+SleighJessi I was just about to type that. Both are extremely talented.
holy fuck holy fuck holy fuck this gave me chills i related to each and every single word he said
amazing
Yup I relate 2 u dude
Pretty much, yeah
I KNOW THEMMM I KNOWWW THEMMM
"Does that mean I can do anything?" - Christopher Boone, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" (stage version).
Ya know, the more I see what people on the spectrum can do, I lean further towards "yes" every day. Of course, not every spectrum-y person can do "anything," but this population as a whole does not have to write anything off of its "can do" list.
Amazing. What else can we do?
Iain is now starring as Christopher Boone is the LA production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME!!!!!
holy shit they're so beautiful I'm in love
im exactly like u!! i hate selfies and everything like that ! etc . all i do is go on my laptop ! xxx
My Mother: You're fine you just need to get out and socialize more, I know how you feel I used to be like that too.
My Sister Whom has already traveled to quite a few places: I know it's scary at first but once you get out there you'll love it!
I try to accurately explain to them about how I feel, but even in their presence, the people I love and trust the most, I will still get togue twisted and my words jumbled into a stuttering mess, and they will try to guess what I was trying to say and assume they were right while I am left red-faced with embarrassment and humiliation agreeing with whatever they came up with, wanting nothing more than to crawl to my room and curl up in my blankets. To play on my computer where I'm just another faceless being in a hidden crowd behind the safety of a screen.
Same😔
ur so amazing wtf
I relate to this so fucking much
*Chills
I feel this. Erryday.
wow same
Damn
Même le désespoir ne s’écrit pas sans espoir! Dans une boite ou il y as tout les mots maux! en 1 mot mot en 2 mot momo! Happy breizh day! Lataupestyle autiste!