If Spasms Could Speak

This is inspired by the title of Robert Softley’s latest work, but is based on my personal experiences. Next time you see a nonverbal person having a spasm, please try and consider what the spasm might be saying.

If Spasms Could Speak

Somebody asked me the other day

If spasms could speak, what would they say?

I started to think and remembered the time

I met you in the treatment room.

I went up to you and started to say

Hello and ask how was your day?

You took my hand and held it so tight,

That you pulled me halfway across the room.

When I asked them what you were trying to say

They told me it was a spasm.

I like to think that spasm was saying

You were happy to see me.

Somebody asked me the other day

If spasms could speak, what would they say?

I started to think and remembered the time

I was getting on a flight, later on that night.

We met and I talked about how I was scared to fly

Your foot stopped moving. They told me it was a spasm.

I like to think that spasm was saying

You were worried about me being worried.

Somebody asked me the other day

If spasms could speak, what would they say?

I started to think and remembered the time

We met when your mum wasn’t well.

I asked why she wasn’t with you

They told me she was ill

The beautiful smile faded from your face- they told me it was a spasm.

I told you she would be fine, because I like to think that spasm was saying

You were worried about your mother.

Somebody asked me the other day

If spasms could speak, what would they say?

I started to think and remembered the time

We were alone in the empty treatment room.

You heard your mother’s footsteps

And I thought you would fall out of your chair

I was terrified- they told me it was a spasm.

I like to think that spasm was saying

You were pleased to see your mother.

Somebody asked me the other day

If spasms could speak, what would they say?

Thinking hard about this question, I think I have an answer.

I like to think that if spasms could speak, they would express love.