During Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic at Art At The Cave on April 10, Elise Hoeskstra shared a powerful and moving poem about what it is like to be autistic. We are proud to publish it here because we believe her writing can help the community to have more compassion and understanding for their neurodivergent family, friends, and neighbors.
Elise introduced the poem by saying, “As an adult with Autism, I have been attempting to articulate what is ubiquitous in my daily life through writing. One of the topics that popped up was sensory overload, a phrase that has general meaning, but what did that mean specifically? This poem is a breakdown of what sensory overload looks like for me.”
Stimulation
Hearing: Noise buzzes, seemingly louder with every second. I can’t focus. Individual voices blur. It’s irritating at best. One loud noise won’t simply do it, but many. Like waves braided together, crashing into the back of my head.
Sight: Light shines, eyes squint like staring into the sun, lowlights calm ere white brightness prevails. Yet the sun of California does not bother me.
Smell: Candles. Pungent peonies burning in the background, coats my throat leaving it soar, sits in my clothes, gives me a headache. Grumpy at best.
Touch: Heavy hot air, sweat on the skin, rosacea, drives me crazy. Uncomfortable clothes. Pants, shirts, and skirts that don’t lay just right. Fabrics!
Taste: The feeling of raw octopus on my tongue. The gift of a three year olds germs that leave bogey mucus molded to my throat.
Bio: Elise is a bookworm at heart and was inspired to write based on the vast collection of different works that she has explored as a special education teacher, poet, and avid lover of YA novels. Learning to sing before she could speak, Elise loves to write music, as songs just pop into her head. She has performed collegiately in choir and is an active choral member at Clark College. She serves on the board and is an active thespian for Starbird Theatre. Elise also enjoys coaching high school wrestling. She is also first generation Dutch and was diagnosed late in life with ASD and ADHD. It is her dream to see her work inspire and form connections in the neurodivergent community.
Learn more about Starbird Theatre:
These Shining Lives
This play is based on the true story of women who worked at the Radium Dial Company in the 1920s, painting watch dials with radium-based paint. The women initially took pride in their work, but soon developed severe health issues from the toxic exposure. The play follows Catherine Donohue as she becomes aware of the harmful effects of radium and struggles with her own illness while seeking justice for herself and her co-workers. It explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the fight against corporate negligence. Catherine and the other women ultimately challenge the company, demanding accountability for the suffering they endured. The play highlights the human cost of industrial progress and the courage of those who fought for workers’ rights and justice.
Performance Dates:
May 9th 7:30pm
May 10th 2:00pm
May 10th 7:30pm
May 11th 2:00pm
Location:
TJMS Theatre
3000 NW 119th St
Vancouver, WA 98685
Tickets $20 Online, $22 at the door
PRINTED MATTER VANCOUVER 
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