From first footsteps into circles of groups and classes,
we're nudged to find our voices that shovel up identities,
each vocal's tested during rise as some shy back in line
to sing among safe clusters finding their collective tune,
while pressure presents itself as a sore lump in your throat,
loved ones soothe with cheery pokes to keep keeping on.
Cuss words will get you noticed once loosed but fact is,
we curse 'cause mature choices fumble by bench sitting,
which shows dull nerves each try for a rise out of kids eyes
once picked to speak above unsure smiling peers objection to,
but better withheld if immature runs through your scope,
and from won silence, hear peace mold you into being calm.
Usher silent in on display menus that'll stuff you till relax fits,
over girth of all-you-can-eat noises shoveled in by insisting,
watch total stress surely slide from sighs lightened to live right
when freed from tough hunger of trying to project what's you,
find treasures in self now worth a fortune–never ignore those
eternal unsung heroes steering souls to joy that each feeds on…
Summer hits snooze, slowing all to one noon for still practice,
no purpose but noiseless one whole minute–minds just drifting
solo, whether moody rain, sterling shine, or tongue-tied inside,
each of us becomes heard upon unifying our connection to
measured sound when lips fell to silence is golden morsels:
global pieces of hush from a yearly ode to greeting all.