Speak When Spoken To Poem by John A'Hern

A Mother always sitting in silence,
Darkness adding to this quietness.
A child observing, adult decisions,
Adults providing resolutions.

Day after day scene repeats,
Conversations hushed as adults speak.
Child still observing such confusion,
Manners taught, no speaking.

Father deals with situation,
Leave Mother alone in her seclusion.
Evening quietness adds to the gloom,
Dearest Mother passing through.

Men of knowledge attend the scene,
Lots of talking, child watches, unseen.
Mother not in position next morning
Father explains, child not talking.

Mother visited in her new home
Still sitting in a room, alone.
Recognition, holding hands
Warmth, comfort, child does not understand.

What do you see when you look at me?
A question thought not asked.
Child lurks around corners unseen,
Father cries himself to sleep.