When I Was A Child

When I was a child
I spoke as a child,
Which was usually loud and boisterous.
I usually had many things to say.
That not many people wanted to hear,
Particularly grown ups.
I don’t know why.
I was smart,
I was experienced,
I was authoritative.
I just wanted to be heard.
But no one wanted to listen.
No one seemed to care
About what I had to say.
That’s why I shout!
That’s why I scream!
That’s why I cry out!
That’s why I’m loud!
I must be heard!

Copyright 1995