MISSION STATEMENT

SILENT VOICES SPEAK started out as Silent Voices: A Writer’s Workshop, as the first group at the drop-in center at the Broadway location of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, whose purpose is to empower it’s attendees to form and attend their own groups.

We have branched out as an independent entity. We are silent no more. We say yes to the creative possibilities of life & art...

The mission of SILENT VOICES SPEAK is to give a voice to people who are disenfranchised. Many of the participants in SILENT VOICES SPEAK are also visual and/or performing artists.

Membership is open to all.
Send submissions to lizhipwell@gmail.com.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Cancer by Sharon Horton

You lay so silently, silent, but not still
spreading your blackness, invading my will.
Engulfing me in darkness, devouring me whole
Raping my body
Scarring my soul.
My flesh and bones, your trophy, your pride
in my death 
What value can it hold for you upon  my last breath?
My life, my future, in your grasp to hold
You have taken the power, stolen control.
Baring your teeth, your hunger not met, 
Greedily feasting, but still silent yet.
What do you win?How do you gain?
What's your benefit from all of my pain?
I feel your presence, your breath
on my skin
I would shut you out, but you're already in.
So what's next/
Damn You!! Why was this to be?!
Your silence so deadly..again aimed at me.
Violently you conquer, not making a sound
Methodically, you redeem your flesh by the pound.
Slowly, you fill me. A victim, no choice,
But your silence will never quiet my voice!
I'm still strong you Bastard! Do you hear me?!
I'm Screaming! I'm Screaming!
Why aren't you listening to me?!
- Sharon H.