If Nothing could speak
what would it say?

At five,
it often says,
'Please, ' and 'Thank you, '
just as it is taught.

At ten,
Nothing says
whatever mom and dad
or teacher
wants to hear.

At fifteen,
Nothing says
nothing
to no one.

At twenty,
Nothing only listens
to the cries
of the children
and husband.

At thirty,
Nothing finds a voice
and has a lot to say,
but these things
no one wants to hear.

At forty,
Nothing is no more.
Something has taken
its place and

She speaks
loud and strong;
and sometimes even
eloquently (so She's been told)

Something strongly advises Nothing,
to speak or yell or cry or write.
Something urges,
do not let Nothing go unheard

Bobbie Ann Pimm

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if-nothing-could-speak/