Autistic

I was told far too much, for far too long,
  that happiness was growing old,
growing up, finding a partner,
finding love.
  commitment, college, good job,
stable career, climb up.
marriage, kids,
help them grow, retirement funds.
die happy.
   I was never told that it was okay to watch
flashing lights for hours and hours.
To devote every waking thought to an interest,
a passion
Even if that's the same maths equation, piano piece,
day in, day out.
To laugh when you're sad, to cry when you're happy.
    I was never told it was okay not to naturally understand others,
That happiness was about embracing whatever makes you happy
regardless of 'the rules'.
   I was never told
it was okay to be autistic.
to be human.
     _{but it is okay,
     to know this anyway.
     regardless.
     for yourself.}