A poem called “Thoughts of a Deaf Child”

Mar 18th, 2007 | By Steve | Category: Thoughts

This is a poem I found a while back. It is very sad.

My family knew that I was deaf
When I was only three, and since then fifteen years ago
Have never signed to me.
I know when I’m around the house,
I try and use my voice,
It makes them feel more comfortable;
For me, I have no choice.
I try, communicate their way-
Uncomfortable for me.
My parents wouldn’t learn sign
Ashamed or apathy?
I never cared about the sound of radios and bands;
What hurts me most is, I never heard
My parents’ signing hands.

Stephen J. Bellitz, Reprinted from Senior News, July 1991

2 comments
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  1. JohnABC March 19th, 2007 1:03 am :

    Wow I did sign this poem in ASL so you can CLICK HERE

  2. Steve March 19th, 2007 4:48 pm :

    Hi John.

    Thanks for dropping by!

    I never realised this poem was so widely known about - since I posted this I’ve noticed several different copies of it on forums and blogs. Still, it is a great poem - very emotional and moving.

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