About the artwork
Lillian Keliher is a 18-year-old young lady who has autism spectrum disorder that affects her ability to communicate verbally. Refused to be limited by her challenges, Lillian uses written words as a powerful tool to express herself. Here are 3 poems written by Lillian to convey her complex feelings, fighting spirit, and messages of hope.
Karen Folsom never met Lillian in-person. She was “moved and impressed” by reading Lillian’s poems. On first read, “so many visuals come through strongly” to Karen. Here are some thought process that Karen had in creating the illustrations:
Light In The Well: the allusion to being stuck but seeing the light- wet and trying to communicate but in a hole, able to break out – I decided to go for optimism and the reality of the situation.
For The Rubble of Memories: the pleasures of childhood contrasted with their visual fading and a sense of being trapped in brick or stone. The contrast of the active child on a swing/scooter etc with vibrant colors disappearing into a pale palette.
For The March of Penguins: begs for penguins singing- but not on the nose or saccharin. The Rigoletto theme seemed to fit the mood as I got deeper.”
Light In The Well
Karen Folsom
Lillian Keliher
There is light at the end of the well.
There is light at the end of the well.
If I persist then I can do well.
There is light at the end of the well.
I am curled at the bottom at the state of despair.
My clothes are wet, and I cannot get anywhere.
The sun is shining through the hole in the well.
So I believe it turns out well.
There is light at the end of the well.
There is light at the end of the well.
If I persist then I can do well.
There is light at the end of the well.
The slime of judgement cocoons me.
The plastered labels festoon me.
But I will breakout and let out a shout.
I don’t want to spend my life in the well.
There is light at the end of the well.
There is light at the end of the well.
If I persist then I can do well.
There is light at the end of the well.
My body does not listen to me.
My mouth speaks as it is pleased.
But all the bad prognosis- autism and dysbiosis
Cannot keep me in a heap in the well.
There is light at the end of the well.
There is light at the end of the well.
If I persist then I can do well.
There is light at the end of the well.
The Rubble of Memories
Karen Folsom
Lillian Keliher
You don’t talk to me at rubble.
That my memories reside.
You don’t care about the trouble of me losing their sight.
Rambling through the streets of childhood on the scooter of my dream.
Plunging into warm lake water letting out a joyful scream.
Running. Bare feet are squishing fragrant dewy garden grass.
Jumping in the bouncy house, splashed with a garden hose.
Grilling smells are penetrating evening air as I swing.
Staring at indefinite branches of a silver maple tree.
You don’t talk to me at rubble.
That my memories reside.
You don’t care about the trouble of me losing their sight.
The March of Penguins
Karen Folsom
Lillian Keliher
Penguins are superior species.
Watch us and tremble as we march.
You are not worth our feces.
You cannot hide in an arch.
Penguins are wonderful singers.
Bringing such culture to you!
Don’t you rehearse “Rigoletto”
You must sing,”Lululu.”
Penguins are such a fair nation.
Don’t you appeal for the bail.
If you just mention world peace.
You’ll spend your life in the jail.
Our wrath is approaching.
Pain and destruction occur.
We got superior weapons.
And we are all set to conquer.
