“Soft-spoken”, as an insult
used to slap sense into my cheeks
(in one ear and out the other,
my gaze tracing the clouds)
eyes without accuracy leave yours
out of reach:
“there is no pride in quiet”.
Screaming does nothing for me
I’ve enough of the voices in my head
“soft-spoken” as others trample
the few utterances before
they’re lodged into my throat
“soft-spoken” before
I’m no longer heard
until I’m no longer seen.
Royal Rose 