Day 13

December 7th – the 13th Day of Advocacy

SHY GIRL
By Karen Keough-Huff

Quiet voice, head down

Eyes that look up

And shift away

 

All the answers

Speaking in your mind

Shoulders hunched

Whispering you’re right

But afraid to speak

 

Paralyzed by thoughts

Becoming your reality

Waiting for the right time

The right moment

To share

 

Where is the line between

Performing and living?

Stepping out and acting

Like you’re someone else

Pretending you are special

 

Being your authentic self

You feel unique

And then

The anxiety kicks in

And you choke

On your words

And begin shrinking

Into invisibility

 

So quiet that when you

Raise your voice

It stuns and surprises

And the uncomfortable

Center of attention begins

 

Look up shy girl!

Find your voice!

We are here for you

Listening, really listening

 

Caring for you

Caring about you

We’ll keep you safe

As you emerge

Into a world

That will try

To keep you quiet

 

Sisters of survival

Will surround and protect you

Excuse me

Shy girl is speaking!

 

Karen Keough-Huff has self-published 3 books and is currently working on a book of poetry.  Her background in education and in business includes curriculum and handbook writing, as well as technical writing as a documentation specialist.  She is a member of the writing sisters and co-vice president of Zonta of Quaboag valley.