I Must Not Speak
(I do not exist)
When I was a child, I could not speak because only adult thoughts mattered.
When I was a teen, I could not speak because authority figures had to be respected.
When I was a worker, I could not speak because my knowledge was threatening.
When I was a wife, I could not speak because my opinions were inconsequential.
Now, as an old woman, I cannot speak, because I do not exist.
I lurk behind my smile and my perfectly made up face and coiffed hair.
I must be pleasant.
I must not speak.
I do not exist. I never have existed.
- Julie O'Hara 2023
Thank you for reading my poem or article. Please feel free to subscribe to see more content and if you are moved to, please consider tipping. In addition, my books can be found at https: Julie O'Hara Bookshop
About the Creator
Julie O'Hara - Author, Poet and Spiritual Warrior
Thank you for reading my work. Feel free to contact me with your thoughts or if you want to chat. [email protected]
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.