Trauma Bonding

Quiet

Growing up I didn't know how to be quiet

I talked and talked

never taking a breath

because I didn't have the time

It's not like that anymore

now,

people have to ask me to speak

and even then it's not certain I'll open my mouth

I guess it really started in middle school

the quiet that surrounded me

I didn't want to stop

the talking

I loved it

more than anything

Sharing my thoughts

feelings

hopes

dreams

But from a young age

people made it perfectly clear

that they wanted me to shut up

that what I said didn't matter

And anyone who knows me knows

that I'm a people pleaser

constantly reaching

for that approval

So, I went against my nature

hiding behind a wall of quiet

in hopes that one day

someone will care enough to tare it down