A mother from Mosman Park, whose own child lives with autism, has composed a deeply moving poem dedicated to Otis and Leon Clune, the two teenage brothers who tragically lost their lives in a recent family incident in the Perth suburb.
A Heartfelt Tribute to the Clune Brothers
The Clune family, consisting of father Jarrod, 50, mother Maiwenna, 49, and their sons Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, were discovered deceased by Western Australia Police at their Mott Close property in Mosman Park on a Friday morning. The boys, understood to have faced severe health challenges including autism, have become the focus of a community-wide outpouring of grief and reflection.
Poem Shared by Neurodivergent Advocacy Group
Ash Smith's powerful poem was publicly shared by the Australian Neurodivergent Parents Association, an organisation that also spearheaded a recent call for Australians affected by the children's deaths to honour their memory by lighting candles on Saturday afternoon. This initiative underscores the broader impact of the tragedy on families and individuals within the neurodivergent community.
The Poem's Message of Belonging and Rights
The poem, which repeats the names Otis and Leon, emphasises that their stories were still unfolding, with unspoken thoughts, hopes, and unique ways of being. It challenges societal perceptions by asserting that children, regardless of neurotype or ability, do not need to earn their right to live, safety, belonging, or love through compliance or ease.
Key themes in the verse include:
- The inherent worth of every child, beyond diagnoses or media narratives.
- A call to hold space for those lost, rather than explain them.
- An affirmation that all children matter, irrespective of how they move or communicate.
Advocacy for Human Rights and Community Support
Smith's words transcend mere sentiment, framing the right to live, belong, and be safe as fundamental human rights. The poem advocates for building a world where no child questions their place, stressing that community strength is essential for a secure future. It concludes with a resonant message: "Without you, there is no me", highlighting interdependence and freedom.
This tribute not only mourns Otis and Leon but also serves as a rallying cry for greater awareness and support for neurodivergent individuals, urging society to widen its circle of inclusion and compassion.
