I suffer from Sudden Hypersensitive Anxiety With Noise (SHAWN) Syndrome.  Wait….what?  That’s not a real medical condition?  Well, I will have to look into that later.

Extraneous sounds while I am focused and trying to accomplish a task are like nails on a chalkboard.  Clicking sounds, electronic beeps or buzzes and noisy chatter infiltrate my central nervous system which can easily short circuit.  The reaction may be one of frustration, anger or even on the verge of a panic attack.  Yes, it is ridiculous that I am unable to just deal with the noise and tune it out, yet that is not how my brain works.  Sensory overload is one of my weaknesses.

Copyright: stevanovicigor

Ask my wife what happens when I am driving and something starts rattling in the car.  A creaking dashboard equals time to start shopping for a new vehicle.  I once stuck the little red tube attached to a can of WD-40 into the dash of my Ford Escape, saturating the inside with the wonder fluid to stop a squeaking noise.  If you are wondering about the level of success – there is a reason that is not among the thousands of uses listed on the can.  WD-40 does NOT make a good air freshener either.

This poem came about during a flare up of SHAWN Syndrome.  There are similar poems to share in future posts, but……….aaaaAAAAA, what is that ringing noise?  Sorry, gotta go.