This is one of the most unusual submissions we have received since John S. Hilkevich, M.A. and I conceived the Don't Think About Monkeys project in August of 1991.

First of all, the writer of the poem wrote this poem the day after her parents told her the name 'Tourette syndrome' was what described her 'habits."

The second unusual thing is she is the youngest contributor by six years for the project - Eight years and three months old at the time of writing this poem. I have seen one or two other pieces by children this young but none have captured the rawness and pain of diagnosis that Molly Jayne Schaefer does in her poem.

Finally this poem was sent to Sue Levi-Pearl, editor of the Tourette Syndrome Association Newsletter and TSA's Scientific Liaison. Sue has been a great believer in the Monkeys project for six years now and sent it to the magazine with a one word note -- "Interested?"

Indeed I was and you can write to Molly Jayne care of Seligman@sonic.net. Reactions will be forwarded to her.

-- Adam Ward Seligman

Publisher and co-editor --
Don't Think About Monkeys on-line Magazine

Dear Sue Levi Pearl:

Enclosed is a poem my daughter wrote. Molly Jayne is eight years old. She composed this poem the day after her father and I gave her the name 'Tourette Syndrome' to describe her 'habits.'

As you can see, she is in a great deal of pain. It would be wonderful for her and others to see such a beautiful and profound expression of her inner self.

-- Helen Schaefer