The author of this poem entered a contest given only the accompanying picture, “Dark Figures” by Matthew King.

Slow, second reaction.

What does gifted mean? In children.

In sports, I’ve landed on it meaning early.

And I think it’s the same with brain development. Or function. Or… whatever.

Are there gifted adults? I’ve heard stories about high IQ individuals who have difficulty functioning in the “real world.” They bag groceries. They don’t create. They’re… miserable.

Are they gifted?

If so, what’s the general consensus?

Are they the ones we look down on? Or are they the ones we give grace to for being assholes?