I can’t really tell you much about my heritage.
For I do not know anything about it.
I can’t say that my ancestors were slaves.
For then I would be telling a lie.
I can tell you about my new heritage, my future heritage.

To be able to hear the sound of birds singing.
To hear the sound of water running.
To be able to fully understand a person speaking.
That is my wish, which can never
Become reality. But I stand proud.

The shoes I wear have overcome many obstacles.
My home was once my hideout to get away from all
The evil ones.
Sitting alone in the back of class.
No one to talk to.
Never getting Valentine cards.
All because my name was on another list.
I was the social outcast.

No one dare speak to me.
I’m always SCREAMING
But no one HEARS me.
How is it possible?
The world around me has become Deaf.
Unaware of me.
But I stand Proud now.

My children and their children will know of the Pain I overcome.
My story will be told for many generations.
Of how I did what no hearing could do.
You see man can take away-
Everything! But He can’t take away
The one thing I’ll always have
My Deafness.

I DARE YOU TO STEP IN MY SHOES AND BE DEAF.

You will never be able to handle what I’ve handled.
The Pain.
The Insults.
The Bullying.
The Picking.
The loneliness.
The Depression.
The Outcast.
But I stand Proud.
I don’t wear a mask; I am who I am.

To be able to hear the sound of birds singing.
To hear the sound of water running.
To be able to fully understand a person speaking.
That is my wish, which can never
Become reality. But I stand proud.
I’ve done something no hearing would ever be able to do.
I AM DEAF!