Quiet, just shy they would say
Barely speaking a word
Not even her name
Rude, outrageous, a trouble maker they would say
She never responds to what I say
She’s challenging, has problems they would say
She would only shake her head in shame
She’s stupid, a freak who can’t speak kids would say
As they called her wicked names, she still had nothing to say
She’s un-teachable, disruptive teachers would say
Not making a sound, as others play games
She’s withdrawn, lost, in need of some love one kind teacher did say
And for once she claimed her voice
And she did say
I just don’t want to harm anyone with the words I choose to say