when did you become so quiet?

i don’t remember when i lost my voice 

it must have been quite a while ago 

since my silence became all that i know 

however, i do not regret this choice. 

it’s whispering love that beats screaming hate 

i was foolish to believe otherwise 

i abused my words, i was soon despised 

unfortunately i noticed too late 

so i muted myself like a tv

and punished myself through silent self-harm 

fortunately, long sleeves cover my arms 

maybe if they can’t hear me, they can’t see 

yes, in my head there were blaring alarms 

but the only one who heard them was me.