Don't Raise Your Voice

Don't raise your voice.

Don't shout.

I pretend my skin is thick,

Thick as stone.

But it's not.

It's thin as thread.

Don't raise your voice.

Don't shout.

I flinch.

Fear spreads.

Thoughts scatter.

Sadness blooms.

Don't raise your voice.

Don't shout.

For the child within me

Becomes terrified.