When it started
You were the voice
I was the silence
You held the power
I was just a child
Who obediently cowered
I was so young
My soul like glass
Easily cracked
Etched by acrid stares
None of that mattered
Only appearances did
I had to control mine
That's what you said
Through words unspoken
A shaking of your head
A clucking of your tongue
How could I look like this?
My cheeks would blush
My head tilted down
What a shame
That what's on the outside
Is not the image of beauty
At least not yours
I shed my tears
Like I shed my skin
Pieces of me
A trail
Left behind
When all I wanted
Was to disappear
Without a trace
I pretend
I smile
I try to ignore
The repulsed looks
The thoughtless comments
Like bullets to a delicate veil
Pierced by whispers
Thought disguised
By pretty lies
But disgust lingers
Behind your eyes
For years
I built a wall
Fitted myself
With heavy armor
Against the cruel world
I kept my distance
Locked myself away
For years
I had time to think
Time to dwell
Time to doubt
Without giving
Myself a chance
But times have changed
I've molted
I've transformed
Broken free
From the cocoon
Once coveted
For far too long
Now you've learned
To hold your tongue
I have the voice
And fucks I give none.
About the Creator
Alyssa Musso
A scientist by trade, but a creative at heart. One novel in progress with too many other ideas taking up space in my head. Some of those ideas end up here.
Instagram: @alyssa.n.mussowrites
My website! https://www.alyssamusso.com/
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More stories from Alyssa Musso and writers in Poets and other communities.
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler6 days ago in Interview
Comments (4)
good writing
Man, the pain in this is so powerful and personal. Self-perception especially in the realm of appearances is so fragile, and especially when you're young. Someone clearly wielded the power of the tongue in a terrible way toward you and I'm so sorry for that. But I celebrate with you that you've found your voice! It's beautiful!
Wow.. I love this. “And fucks—I give none”.. I wasn’t expecting that. This is haunting, and I relate too well. And you’re right—when we become adults, we can choose to say NO.
Nicely written