I try
Everyday
To speak to my Family
Mustered courage
Gone to Waste
All that energy?
It took up my day
Calming breaths
Counting to ten
Turning the doorknob
Once again
Venturing forward, halfway down the hall
I say “Hello, what’s going on?”
No movement, no response
I turn back
To my room
Climb into my bed
Sitting, legs splayed
Looking busy
But really
Wondering
What’s wrong with me?
Have I died?
Am I a ghost?
If so, then where is my mother?
To leave me with these people
They don’t even see
Hear or
Acknowledge my voice
Validate my worth
Where has everyone gone?
That even my words cannot reach?
Effie Graves 