April 18, 2012

Featured Poem: “Silence.”

Check out a featured poem from the “What Does the Day of Silence Mean to You?” call for submissions. This poem was submitted by Ilana K. of Rockville, MD.

 “Silence.”

I have never stopped talking

Not even for one second

Even when I am silent

I am speaking so many words

So one day a year my silence speaks more

Than I ever could out loud

 

My silence speaks for those who do stop talking

Those who are forced to stop talking

By a world that can’t accept them for who they are

Or who they love

Some people who have so much to say

Can’t find the voice to say it

Not because they don’t want to

But because other people won’t let them

 

Why is it that in this time

With a black president

Two women can’t get married in 42 states

Transgender individuals can get fired

People are discriminated against

For things they can’t change

They can’t make the change if they can’t find their voice

And they can’t find their voice if people won’t let them

 

Even if they find their voice

There is no change that will happen

Unless people are willing to listen

So because I can’t stop talking

I put away my voice for a day

To bring attention to all the people

Who are forced into the silence

Not necessarily because they don’t have anything to say

But because people won’t listen

People won’t listen

 

Thanks for your submission, Ilana!

Have last minute planning to do for the Day of Silence? Visit our resources here, and have an awesome day tomorrow!

 

Please note, the views expressed in the submission are those of the author, and are not necessarily shared by GLSEN.