The mute speak in raucous voices
Spewing chocolate éclairs and ice cream
At satiated audiences.
The blind behold paper movie-set flames
Licking the walls of war-torn villages
Where no one lives.
The deaf attend to the muffled sirens
Of disgruntled men in leisure suits
Who cry “Buy!” and “Sell!” into cellular phones.
I see only darkness through my colored contact lenses
As pop bands play, “My future’s so bright I gotta wear shades.”
I tap my foot, sans rhythm, to the minstrel mime blaring silent recordings on a blank tape.
Voices clamor for the sky.
Tears fall on the shadows of shoulders.
While I orate and conversate.
And emit passionate cliches and sublime euphemisms.
But only the mute hear me,
And they can’t respond.
About Laurie: The author of the recently released Finding Joy as well as The Pharaoh’s Cry, Portal Shift, Kidnapped Smile, and Dragon Sky of the fantasy series The Artania Chronicles, and Forests Secrets. Laurie Woodward is also a screenwriter who co-authored Dean and JoJo: The Dolphin Legacy. Her poetry has been published in multiple journals and anthologies and she was a collaborator on the popular anti-bullying DVD Resolutions. Bullied as a child, Laurie is now an award-winning peace consultant, poet, and blogger who helps teach children how to avoid arguments, stop bullying, and maintain healthy friendships. She writes on the Central Coast of California. More about her work can be found at Author Laurie Woodward — Next Chapteria.net
Laurie Woodward 