The Story Behind the Poem

In psychologist Carol Gilligan’s work, she found that as girls mature into women they tend to quiet their voices. Many women have a deep desire to please others and to do the things they “should.” The voice in our heads doesn’t always follow the perceived norm and when it doesn’t, we often learn to be quiet instead.

This is a call to use your voice. It is needed. It is wanted. It makes the world a richer place!

Give Voice

I hear it move, to my mouth from my head

And I often wonder should I have been quiet instead?

Is there use in the world for the things that I say?

Or should I keep my mouth quiet and move on with my day?

I speak up and speak out and people don’t like it.

I shut my mouth and stay quiet, and no one protests it.

So, I wonder and fight with the voice in my head

Should I share what I feel or leave things unsaid?

The answer’s not easy, the fight never ends

for just a short time the fight may suspend.

As I make the decision to speak with the world

I put bravery on and say what I feel that I should,

And then I regret it when it leads to discord,

Or even worse, when the voice that I shared is ignored

So I quiet that voice, the one I don’t know,

if I should use it and share it or simply let go.

After all, hasn’t your voice been given to be heard by others?

Well, maybe using your voice is simply what matters.

So speak up and share, not for him or for her

Sharing your voice is for you to be sure.

Your voice matters, it’s needed, it’s good

Even if no one cares or hears, still you should

do it for you, give your voice wings.

Because knowing your voice is one of those things,

That makes a difference to you that is sure!

And maybe another needs your words to endure

And maybe not, that is okay

Those thoughts in your head are still important to say.

Read about quieting your inner critic here.