She Will Speak Loudly, Because I Did

Voices weren’t always safe where I lived.

Over time, I learned to listen more than speak.

Courage didn’t come from volume, but from honesty.

Asking for help was the bravest word I ever said.

Living loud now, in ways silence never could.

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Author's Note:

This was written in response to the VOCAL challenge created by D.K. Shepard. The Literal Life category made me reflect on what it means to reclaim your voice after trauma and then model that resilience for the next generation.

Thank you, D.K., for the nudge to write something I didn’t know I needed to say.