Sidelined

I sat in silence
Side-lined on the bench I waited with patience
Seemingly forgotten but I've always been told they save the best for last
So at last

I was called up to the platform
I was called by name to perform
So there I was
I opened my mouth to speak at last

But my voice seemed to have been confiscated
Behind my fear was my identity located
Trying to think where I lost it
I rehearsed my lines in my head just as I had practiced

They set there in silence
As I fumbled through my heart to bring up something that made sense
But who was I kidding
My words would never meet up with their understanding

But I had to say something
It was no good to stand there and bring out nothing
So I opened my mouth and said a few words
But the truth behind my lines was never to be heard

These parables that I presented
The audience that listened could not understand it
Even now...you don't get it do you?
But don't worry I don't blame you

As much as we seek to be understood
The truth is, we remain misunderstood
So I stood...there
I was live 'on air'
Yet, my words were nothing more than an unsolved riddle
And the flow of my rhyme was not in line with their rhythm

The presentation ended
I was to be judged though not apprehended
So I sat back down
Only to the heart that understood mine would I be known

Charity E Tafirenyika ©