Rey Fairburn
FLOATING
Outside of my body I can see e v e r y t h i n g
The spiral of life curls inwards, I cannot see an end
I think, in another life, am I still autistic?
I’d have to say yes
Without autism I am not me
So my reincarnations, my other lives
Must also be autistic
Whether they know it or not
I draw a tarot card and pull The Moon
Reflections
Getting diagnosed was like the moment
When you’re gazing at the stars and suddenly you can see
The lines drawn in your mind’s eye to form the constellations
Suddenly, everything makes sense
CHEWED BUBBLEGUM
I used to be your lollipop girl
Dyed my hair bright colors in an attempt to brighten my outlook on life
To get a taste of optimism
It felt new, different
And completely unlike me
I am not pink, and sweet, and soft
Like chewed bubblegum
I’m the black licorice you gag on when you try it
The mint that’s too strong
The sour candy packaged in warnings
Made to look like a biohazard
Many would say I’m “too much”
But for the few who understand
I’m so much more than that bubblegum pink
Rey Fairburn (she/they) is a queer, neurodivergent writer and artist studying psychology at Università di Padova. She has been published by Lupercalia Press, Fauxmoir, Plants and Poetry Journal, and t’ART. www.reysenchantments.com
Follow Rey on IG: @reysenchantments