I Became Louder
“Guys, just ignore her,” they said in the Balkans,
As their whispers grew like shadows in my head.
But in that moment, I did not bend,
I found my voice, and it would not end.
Their silence was a weapon, sharp and cold,
A force to bury truth, to keep it controlled.
But in my chest, a fire began to grow,
A flame that would refuse to be controlled.
I spoke of truths they tried to dismiss,
Of memories too strong, too hard to miss.
And though they tried to silence the sound,
I became louder, and I stood my ground.
“But she doesn't look Turkish.”
“Just ignore her,” they whispered in vain,
But I shouted louder, through their disdain.
For I knew my worth, my voice, my song,
And no matter their silence, I would belong.
So let them try to drown me out,
Let them whisper, let them shout.
For in the end, my voice will rise,
Unbroken, unbowed, beneath the skies.