There are times when I hear silent whispers,
The ones I’ve never heard before.
They utter things that instill in me fear and anxiety,
Making me uncomfortable
And shaking me to my core.
I try questioning them about their uncanny appearance,
But each time I do –
They ambush me and put me in a position far worse than before.
But listen – beneath the silence, a voice softly calls,
There is a slight hope that rises through the walls.
“You are not alone, your pain can be heard,
Your life holds meaning, more than any word.”
I look around and there is no one.
Where is this voice coming from?
I close my eyes and hear this voice again.
And this time I know … this voice is within me.
Deep down inside of me.
Striving hard to defeat the demons that trouble me.
So I reach out my hand to the voice.
It helps me to stay calm and strong, even through the noise.
So when the silent whispers come again,
I will stand tall and not lose hope.
I will not let myself be burdened by their weightage,
And I will answer them back with strength and courage.
~ Nacia Britto (St.Xavier’s College, Mapusa)
