The "R" Word

The whispers were always there

Freak

Ever since they realized he was different.

Weirdo

For years, I just let it happen

Let them talk

Let them call him all those things.

Moron

Creep

I never wanted them to look at me. 

I didn't want to be the labeled the weird Autistic kid's sister.

Do you think she's got something wrong with her too?

But then I heard it

My brother, talking to himself, 

Saying one word, 

Over and over 

Retard

It's what they'd called him

Retard

It's what everyone called him

Retard

He'd been labeled it so many times

Retard

That it's what he'd started to think of himself

Retard

He's not retarded.

Retard

He's not a freak

Retard

He's my brother

Retard 

And since he can't fight for himself

Retard 

It's my time to stand up.