I AM NO ONE
yet you strike me down
i am small
yet you hurt me, in fear
i am new
but you break my bones
i cry out
cheated. robbed.
my voice soundless
my laughter gone
…
how could you?
we are the same
how dare you
my heart beats, like yours
why?
i love. i love. without hesitation.
with no regard
without filter
no hate
no judgment
i love.
where are we going?
please stop.
why cant i stay?
please stop.
mum, dad, brother, sister, why
do you cry so?
please come in.
take my hand
lead me where you may
lead me away from my safe family
my little feet, run, i can feel the earth, like
yesterday..
catch me if you can…
no, please, don’t.
no
my love
my life
lead me, to lay and never breathe
again
or speak
or sing
or whisper
i will lay here, silent
but not forever
they will find me
my brothers and sisters, cousins
they will seek me out
they will hear my voice,
you cannot silence love
you cannot silence love
you, cannot, silence, me
my voice will carry through, on the wind, as the
leaves swell , as the birds fly, as the river flows
so it carries my voice.
you cannot silence me.
they will come.
i am pure
my love and joy cut short, for nothing
for no one
no gain came
so i flow
quietly sleeping
i dance in the starry night
drum beats stir my heart,
the river and wind carry my song,
my little voice
forgotten no more
by Jenny Carlson
——
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide 24/7 support to residential school survivors and others who are affected. Call 1 (866) 925-4419.
——
Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
