There was a time
when I spoke
and it felt like someone listened
I didn’t have to be loud
or fight for attention
or speak over the voice in my head
telling me no one cares
I can’t tell now
amidst the empty echoes
if anyone’s still there
to hear
But I keep speaking
hoping to be heard
without force
Just to be acknowledged
to feel like I belong
somewhere
with someone
outside my head
