Shes always told me to speak my mind.
Let my voice be heard.
Don't let anyone drown out my noise.
And yet, when her voice gets louder,
I'm forced to stay silent.
The ocean I once cried, now a dry, humid desert.
The emotions I once felt, now numb.
Wasted energy, spending all my years helping them.
Every chance I could get.
Whatever they ask, I jump.
And yet, when I need it most, not a single soul stands in sight.
And I drown.
In an ocean full of hurt that can't be let out.
A sky full of a thousand shining stars.
The boat is slowly sinking.
And my socks are getting soggy.
I've already lost an oar.
But all I can do is stay silent.
Smile.
Help.
And do as she says.
Don't even flinch when she yells.
-Kaila Wren (February 27, 2025)
