Thoughts of a Deaf Child

Just to let you all know...this isn't my poem. I found it when I was doing an article in my sign language class and I thought I would put it on here...

*My family knew that I was deaf,
When I was only 3 and since then 15 yrs ago.
have never signed to me.
I know what I'm around the house,
I try and use my voice,
it makes them feel more comfortable;
for me I have no choice.
I try to communicate their way,
uncomfortable for me.
My parents wouldn't learn sign,
ashamed or apathy?
I never cared about the sound of radios and bands;
what hurts me most is, I never heard,
my parents' signing hands.*

- Stephen J. Bellitz -