Voice

It started with a kiss
it was uncalled for

you called me out
who was I to dare lean in?

how dare I presume intimacy
your anger gave you voice

your voice at last had found you
you had plenty that you had to say

plenty more to come when that was said
generations of mothers spoke through you

what these mothers spoke was truth
previously subdued, suppressed

the suppressed at last free to express
it started with a kiss

~

n.b. NaPoWriMo 2022 Day Twenty-seven prompt: write a duplex.

This poem has a history, it is a history in a poem. I am ever grateful for what this kiss taught me, the voice it brought forth.

I hope that it is not too obscure for the general reader.

CLP 27/04/2022