I Met A Man Who Couldn't Speak. Poem by Sarah Duffy

I met a man who couldn't speak.
He spoke, but without a sound.

He witnessed abuse.
He shouted out loud.
But he could not speak.

He led men to war.
Sent them to their death.
He gave orders.
But he could not speak.

He shared his knowledge.
How to be invisible, and move with stealth.
He taught these lessons.
But he could not speak.

He saved lives.
Giving hope where it did not exist.
He whispered calm words.
But he could not speak.

He loved so hard.
You were wanted, adored and safe.
He repeated I love you.
But he could not speak.

He shaped his children.
He gave them skills to face the world.
He imparted life lessons.
But he could not speak.

He endured pain and loss.
His heart and soul ripped apart.
He screamed in agony.
But he could not speak.

He was consumed by demons.
A shell of the man he was.
He begged for help.
But he could not speak.

He found his voice.
Finally he could speak.
No words came
Just tears.

Those who loved him, heard him speak.

SD January 2022