We learn at an early age

That we are to be seen

Not heard

So why is everyone so confused

When we can’t speak

When they ask us to say something

And we can’t

We were taught

To be this way

We were taught

To bear our burdens

In self-loathing silence

To hold the weight upon our shoulders

In our jaws

And in our heads

Of every thought

We were taught

That what we had to say

Was not worth while

And it never will be

To wait to be addressed

To wait to take a stand

So why is everyone so surprised

When we won’t speak

This is the world you created for us

This is what you said you wanted

This is what you made us