Silence

Talkative at home, happy and loud

But quiet and withdrawn in a crowd

Silent at school and in the shop

Does this selective mutism ever stop?

It is not a choice

This hiding of the voice

When people are around

There is no sound.

Like a sudden freeze

Being in a tight squeeze

Unable to talk

Nowhere to walk.

Observing and listening is easy to do

But asking and joining in is hard to pursue

Keep trying and trying again

Nothing is ever in vain.

If people only knew

That kindness is the thing to do

Inclusion, no pressure and some fun in life

Is all that is needed to thrive!