For all I know
My mother’s voice
Is nonexistent
And as one of the only women in my life—
The woman I once wanted to become—
I have to wonder
Is my voice
For all the world knows
Nonexistent too

I’ve listened

How many mornings
Have I heard your voice
Tainted with temper
At my brother’s refusal
To wake from his dreams

How many afternoons
Have I heard your voice
Strained with stress
From a long day’s worth
Of work to fulfill
Your family’s needs

How many evenings
Have I heard your voice
Lighten with laughter
From watching TV and relaxing
With my sister

And how many nights
Have I fallen silent
To listen to you
Whispering sweet nothings into the phone
For the ears of a man you must love
To have stayed by his side
Despite all he’s done

I’ve listened

I’ve always been listening

Trying desperately to find my own voice
When for all I hear
I’ve never heard yours

For all I know
My mother’s voice
Is nonexistent

And for all she—
Part of my world—knows
Mine is nonexistent too