No One Would Listen
By Sherri Smith

No one would listen
When I was a child
and I wanted to express my joy
happiness, uncertainty and fear
I heard:

"Go to your room till you settle down"

Or when I was ten and had been
sexually abused and needed to
express my fear, confusion,
guilt feelings.
I heard:

"You're OK. Don't tell anyone"

No one would listen
When I was fifteen and had my
heart broken by my first boyfriend
who dumped me the week after graduation.
I heard:

"I told you so"

Or when I was eighteen, getting ready
to get married, desperate to find
shelter from the constant turmoil at
home, anything to get away.
I heard:

"You'll be sorry"

No one would listen
The night my sister in law was having her
baby and my back was hurting so bad, not
knowing I too was in labor, the last night I felt life.
I heard:

"You're OK. Just having sympathy pains"

Or when a week later, I was delivered of my still born
daughter, unable to see her, touch her, hold her or
grieve for her. Drinking family members at her funeral
while I was confined to the hospital.
I heard:

"You're OK. You'll have another one"

No one would listen
When I was so very unhappy while living
in an emotionless, love-starved marriage
for twenty four long years.
I heard:

"Good Christians don't get divorces"

   Finally

   I heard

   I listened

to my own needs, my own voice that told me:
"You are worthy to be loved. You don't have to be a victim
any more"

At last, someone listened.

Dedicated to Casandra Lee St. Clair, Born-still April 17, 1969