Deaf and Dumb

I met her in the orphanage that sheltered drab lives.
A young girl past her teens, deaf and dumb, 
Not by birth but through an accident.

She had a past, bright n’ beautiful.
But the free moving gears came abruptly to a painful halt.
Once her ocean was dotted with boats ready to set sail
Now she seems to drift through a vacant space,
Darting in and out of shadows.

Through gestures wild, she tries to communicate,
But mostly incomprehensible
Her face often goes into scowling,
As she fails to make herself understood. 
Yet her eyes tell a story which gleam,
At the prospect, of someone ready to listen intent.
Her inability doesn’t deter her from trying again and again,
To recount some prized incident locked up in her memory,
That is a shut vault now whose key is lost to her forever!

Yet in her bastion of darkness, a lantern still flickers!


_______________________________
May.2.2023

~Placed First~

Up to 20 Lines Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Sotto Poet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Hind Avatar
May 11, 2023 at 11:41 AM
This is very sad. You portrayed her struggles here very beautifully though; especially liked the parts about what's in her eyes.
Kauffman Avatar
May 10, 2023 at 9:35 AM
Dearest Valsa, your story of heartbreak and determination touched a very deep place in me. Through no fault of her own, her life was forever changed, yet, she continues to try. This so reminds me of our David's story. Autism, through no fault of his own, robs him of what we consider to be a "normal" life. Yet he continues to learn and try to communicate. My spirit mourns for both and tries to hang onto hope! Congratulations. Blessings dear friend. Prayers for all in this scenario..
Brul Avatar
May 4, 2023 at 7:02 AM
Brilliant! I love how the last line is woven into a magnificent ending! Congratulations!
Y. Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 10:51 AM
Hi Valsa, What a sad and touching story you have penned. Although that unfortunate accident happened in her life, she still has the will to keep on going not focusing on her lot in life. At least that is what I got from your well-written write. Congratulations on a well-deserved win. Have a nice day- Alexis
Goldsmith Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 10:42 AM
Congratulations on your win. What a story/write. Have a blessed day..................
Andresen Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 10:38 AM
- She has courage, a strong will and patience... but life is difficult and unfair, Valsa - A lovely but sad poem - Congratulations on your win in the contest :) - hugs
Valsa, Congratulations on your great win in the Contest. Touching message. Well written
Poet Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 9:25 PM
Valsa, Congratulations on crafting such a lovely poem that combines the elegance of poetry with the wisdom of thought.
George Avatar
May 3, 2023 at 12:56 AM
Thanks a lot dear friend for placing my poem in the top win. Also for the splendid opportunity given.
Wolf Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 6:47 PM
I felt the wild desperation, Valsa. Conveyed so well!
Baker Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 4:16 PM
It's strange that such tragedy may have hidden within, mystery and beauty. We know not what her purpose in life may be ... or what she feels inside in times of silence. Thanks for sharing your poetic talent with us, my dear friend Valsa. Good luck! A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Turner Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 7:55 AM
Sad story Valsa. Makes one stop to think, when is life no longer life. A question pondered for centuries. Nice penning, Valsa.
Rolland Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 7:06 AM
undescriptible tragedy, life is unfair, poem broke my heart too, poor kid, thanks for sharing
Pandit Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 5:43 AM
Sad but true. Your words tug the heart for her suffering. A superb portrait, Valsa.
Kendrick Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 4:14 AM
Wow!! That would be a horrible situation for a person to have happen. Definitely she needs a special teacher to work with her to bring out her capabilities. This one reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
Daniel Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 2:17 AM
Sad, but brilliant in its thought, Valsa:)
Buhagiar Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 12:57 AM
Very subtle. Sad poem though.
Cunningham Avatar
May 2, 2023 at 12:35 AM
A tragic story Valsa that you often hear about, sad that anyone who has a disability is often shunned by society. Tom
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