Afraid of the Noise

She startles at talking,

Scared of nuance and tone.

She has nightmares about nothing

Sitting silenced by phone.

So careful

So quiet

So little real choice

So guided

So shielded

So afraid of the noise

What’s wrong with this family?

She screams under her breath.

Why won’t someone tell me

Why I’m haunted to death?

So careful

So quiet

So little real choice

So guided

So shielded

So afraid of the noise

She hides in dark corners

Dying a little each time

Listens under the water

Wanting glisten and shine.

So careful

So quiet

So little real choice

So guided

So shielded

So afraid of the noise

Don’t ask any questions

Or wonder out loud

Control is a mistress

Whose sin is allowed

She startles when listening,

Scared of nuance and tone.

She has nightmares about talking

Sitting silenced by phone.

So careful

So quiet

So little real choice

So guided

So shielded

So afraid of the noise