I Talked Again

It was when I reached my fortieth birthday. Not so young, but, youthfulness ruled the day. I was known as an educationist, around, My intelligence and wisdom, they felt, was sound. Not many were invited to my birthday party, My friends said I looked hale-and-hearty. Cut the cake and with all simple meals shared, I felt, as though by all, I was loved and cared. It's when I stood to thank each one that evening, Something tucked my tongue for no evident reasoning. I stood silent, shocked, perplexed and lost, None could understand what had happened to the host. I tried to talk. I could not. Tried again; failed! Not knowing my state of mind my friends hailed. When, after hard trials, like dew drops, my tears spilt, All, around, understood. Lo! There’s some tilt… They took hold of me and asked me what happened, I could not articulate; all seemed so saddened. Doctor - some said; That's what they soon did, None could remove from my tongue that lid. I, an orator, remained speechless. Is it God's work? Or demons do such tricks that God gets the jerk? I resigned to the state of affairs and remained silent, Everyone around understood this and became quiet. I felt my trouble is nothing before John Milton, I could see; he could not; My path is, hence, silken. Pain in me, yet, grew, like fire in a dry forest, Though I seemed silent, within I had great tempest. Having found no remedy in treatments mountainous, I turned to God, who is bundle of boundlessness. I surrendered to him and said - Give me speech - In return, I will, your glories ever preach. In return? O fool! What would you give God? Inner mind said. What could to God you award? It's, hence, I lay before him, as though dead, As mute as a muted lute, I went ahead. In one of praise and worship during night adoration, I could feel, within my tongue, certain restoration. Is it reality or illusion? I did never know, Dumb will speak, scriptures said, if believed so. I believed; trusted; relied on his immense power, Many prayed during that very long operation hour. I talked. They could understand me as before, Does anyone know, yet, the truth within the core...??? God and God alone is the truth I firmly say, Without him, for salvation, there is no other way...! 24 October 2022 ER: Enlightenment Recovery Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Chantelle Anne Cooke