Silent Too Long

A poem by Penny Smith:

I speak for those who cannot speak

For those whose secrets are locked too deep

I speak for those who are still in pain

For those who are suffocating in shame

I speak for the little girl with hurting eyes

For the little boy who never, ever cries

I speak for those whose smiles are hiding

The hurt that is beyond confiding

I speak for the wife--the girlfriend

Bearing bruises from the men they defend

I speak for the confused, adolescent boy

Who has somehow become the coach's toy

I speak for those whom no one sees 

For those who feel they are diseased

I speak for those whose tongues are stilled

For those with no hope of ever being healed

I speak for those who have endured unspeakable things

For those who never see the hope that dawn brings

I speak for those who have no voice

For tiny babies never given a choice

I speak for those whose lives are living hell

For those wishing they had someone to tell

I speak for those with innocence taken

Who pray for the day they never awaken

I speak for you whose spirits have flown

To let you know--you are not alone

I speak for you, I feel your pain

I will not be silent while evils remain

I speak for you and-- I speak for me

I speak for the world to hear and see

I speak for those with no will to fight

To bring the secrets and darkness to light

I speak because I was silent too long

I speak because I did no wrong

I speak though there are those who would silence me

I speak because abuse should never be allowed to 'be'