NAMI-Yolo - a chapter of NAMI, the Nation's Voice on Mental Illness
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MANY VOICES
by MICHELE HARTE

My life was filled with many voices, too many for me to bear,
but one voice broke through in the end, a voice that said: “I care”.

I have heard the voice of rejection even in my Mother’s womb,
I have heard my Father’s condemnation, the voice of impending doom.

I have heard the voice of abuse whispering in the night,
that set my soul in silent gloom and lived in constant fright.

I have heard the voice of sibling celebrations, achieving accolades,
while the teasing voices of school mates taught me how to fade.

I have heard the voice of cold religion, such hideous hypocrisy!
I have heard the voice of suspicion that gave me a false identity.

I have heard the voice of a husband, acceptance and promises of love,
then the voice of a baby boy, a gift from God above

I have heard the voice his “other woman” and I knew we’d break up soon,
then the voice of a baby cry, murdered in my womb.

I have heard the voice of suicide, welcoming me into hell,
I have heard the voice of institutions, “perhaps this will make me well”.

For years the voice of mental illness, screaming through the halls.
I heard the voice of silent anger as my son put up his walls.

I have heard the voice of freedom ring, breaking loose of basic needs,
betrayed again by demon’s voices, directing evil deeds.

So many voices had surrounded me, tearing me apart,
then I heard my voice cry out, from a broken heart.

At last I heard the Savior’s voice, waiting all the while,
softly and firmly I heard Him speak “now you are my child”.

“You see I am the Good Shepherd, so there is no more need to fear,
for at last my child, another’s voice, you don’t have to hear.

Jn. 10:4-5,27

copyright 2009