VOICE

I open my mouth
To say something new.
Not just to talk,
But to share with you!

You put up a wall.
That comes easy for you.
With a vaguely nodding head
You claim something to do.

Or you point to the headphones
Clasped around your ears
Blocking me completely
Ignoring my tears.

Or you say, “Lalalalala”
With your hands on your head.
Can’t we talk a little?
What is it you dread?

Or even easier,
If we’re on the phone
I hear a distinct click.
Your response, a dial tone.

Or you start talking,
Much louder than I,
Drowning my ideas,
My thoughts go awry.

“I’ve heard it before.
I know what you’ll say.
I don’t want to hear.
I don’t care anyway!”

My voice is locked away.
My chest begins to bloat.
The things I had to say
Are stuck in my throat.

The words I have spoken
Are blown on the wind.
The rest held inside,
All speech I rescind.

I am shelved!
I am locked!
I am alone!
I am blocked!

But are you the one
Who sticks me on that shelf?
My ideas are still valid.
Am I blocking myself?

By cindy
4/18/2023