I had woken up to my lucky number
and in my hand were the few words I was asked
to say at the party in front of grown-ups.
They wanted to hear what I had to say. Their gazes
were smooth and full of wonder. I was learning
to speak out loud. The silence within me had broken.
Even the stained glass windows understood that
I needed to speak. And the fork knew, the plate
of roasted meat and potatoes knew.
The goblets shone like eyes, with approval.
I kept on reading the speech to their praise.
It was if I had received a key, the lock opening
into confidence. I wanted to sing my joy,
I wanted to carry it with me throughout my days.
