I didn't speak today
Save for when forced.
I had a lot of time to think,
Time to observe.

They all asked me why.
I tried to speak without words.
Why can't anyone listen?
Do I need to speak to be heard?

I didn't think it was a big deal.
But I was yelled at,
Pushed down,
Called a fag.

At least they know what I was doing.
It hung over me like a flag
Screaming "Look at me!
The girl who didn't speak!"

I didn't speak today
And I learned a lot of things.
I learned our world is as judgmental as ever.
I learned about me.

This really happened today.  I was participating in the Day Of Silence.  Go to dayofsilence.org if you wanna know more, but don't yell at me when you find out what it is.