Poems From an Odd Person

Voice (For B, Part 1)

You wrote that you wanted the best all round,

And that choices made were not about me,

You maintain you did what you thought was right,

But right for whom? Is the answer I need.

As twenty some years of silence slip by –

That's your silence imposed on me,

My share is to make the best of your gift,

But I'm not doing all that well, you see.

Far away in person and sensation,

You can no longer be numb to your choice,

Now's the time to feel, to speak, to listen:

This decision has discovered her voice.

I will not remain disjointed now on,

A mind and a shell passed over by you.

Yes you've had your part in my creation,

Now some responsibility is due.

Tell me whether you completely let go,

Did you empty my being from your brain?

Or did you save a few snippets of me

To glimpse over every now and again?

Why do you still stay gripped to your silence?

Can't you allow me one small hint of care?

Please give me a piece of what's in your head:

Speak to me – I'm your daughter – I am Claire.