When I listen,
You get scared to talk.
For you fear
That I will find out
How you are.
And I won't like
What I see.

When I listen
You keep quiet
Hoping your silence
Is loud enough
To be heard
Across the world
To reach me.

When I listen
You want to talk
You want to scream
Wail and cry
And yet be silent
Because you fear
Others may hear

When I listen
I hear your silence
I hear your screams
I hear your cries
And I still listen
Hoping you will talk.