Do You Think

Do you think we forget the hurtful things you say?

Because we don't.

Do you think we don't hear the things you say behind our back?

Because we do.

Do you think we're trying to make you uncomfortable?

Because we aren't.

We're trying to find a way to fit into this world we have to call home.

But you're making it too hard.

We shouldn't have to protest or stop the world from moving or scream at the tops of our lungs to be heard.

You're always heard, and now it's your chance to step aside.

We've listened for years.

We've sat silently for centuries.

We've watched you discount us since the beginning of time.

But now's the chance for you to listen.

For you to sit silently and hear our pain.

For you to learn why we feel this way.

Because if you do,

It will make you better.

It will make this world better.

It will make the future better.

So, please just try listening to us.

Because we have voices too.

They've just been put on mute.

By R. Regan McCall, written 23 August 2016