Listening to the Voice Within

The first giggle turns into babbles and bubbles

Bubbling over the voice within find its way along the tongue past the lips

Arriving with wild curiosity without a hint of embarrassment >> an embodied sound

The first "Be Quiet" shakes us inside all the while enticing the words to be louder, bolder

But the shh's become reprimands curiosity shrinks and shame slides on in

Years fly by the should's and could's have imprinted on my vocal chords and my voice is not mine

Is only a cookie cutter shaped version of what leads to praise praise praise

The outside storm enters my ears, swirls in my head -- leaving a dizziness that leads me deeper

Into the maze of seeking validation, chasing perfection, conforming depression