The Singer’s Voice

I sing for those who cannot speak.

I sing for those who are not heard.

We sing of something ancient, and sing of what is new.

You might choose to listen, or choose to just move on.

For so has it been, and so it will be —

*

In some way we have returned to old Salem’s days.

In unseen, unknown ways, the public voice makes commonplace

What once was un-thinkable and un-done.

Admitting lack of knowledge would make us fools,

It’s better to be knowledgeable than appalled.

*

Confession makes no difference, the object remains the same.

Forgiveness is required for the un-nameable, un-fixable, un-remorseful.

And those who have been beaten beyond all recognition?

They cannot ask forgiveness — their lips are frozen shut.

And we grin and pass the popcorn.

*

I am the voice of those who cannot speak.

I am the voice of those who won’t be heard.

For so it has been and so it will be —

Until there are no more singers and the world is black and cold.