Mayra speaks as though

she has been told that silence is her job.

The air barely moves with her breath.

And I wonder—

does she laugh out loud when she’s at home?

I wish I could hear it if she does.

A shout from the deepest recesses

of her heart—

I wish I could be there for that sound.

A stern word to defend herself—

I hope she has that, too.

We know she pushes herself, always.

But I wonder—will she push back

when pushed?

Shout, Mayra!

SING LOUDLY, Mayra!

ROAR—and record yourself!

And reach

every goal

you set.

clr, 2011

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