There's so much I want to say
It's all quite clear until
I open my mouth and try to speak
It's like climbing a steep hill.

"Just take a breath" the speech therapist says
It sounds so easy to do
But when my turn comes to speak out
I wish people only knew.

I never got picked to read a part
In the school nativity play
Just answering the register was quite a chore
"Is Ruth not in today?"

My friends were always supportive
When people put me down
"Back off" they'd say, "Leave her alone",
I felt like a circus clown.

As the years went on my speech improved
But still it was always there
I never could tell when my stammer would come
I pretended I did not care.

But deep inside it always hurt
When I met someone new
Even some teachers put me down
Without always meaning to.

Then one day a teacher felt sorry for me
And asked me to sing a song,
I discovered I had a talent,
And finally felt I belonged.

It gave me confidence in myself
And now I'm glad to say
I can hold up my head proudly
And talk to you all day.

So please be patient if you meet
A person just like me.
It doesn't mean they are thick or dumb
They're just different, you see.

If you take the time to listen up
And hear what they have to say
You'll find their hidden talents
Shine through in a different way.


Ruth Schofield
(13 years)
Lancashire

From the Spring 2001 edition of Speaking Out