Deaf

When I was 5 and didn't know
Any better - I wanted to be deaf.
There was something about the
Ability to not hear and the cute
Little hearing-aid my Grandpa
Gave me that intrigued me into
Believing that being deaf was
What I needed to be - so I put it
On - the fake hearing-aid and
My favorite red gingham dress with
The little white apron and stood
In line with the other kindergartners'.
They spoke to me and I ignored them
To show them I was deaf and
Finally when I could take it no more
I said, "Can't you see I'm deaf?"
And ruined my guise of being
What I hoped was what I wanted at
5 - who really knows what's right?
I couldn't see anything wrong with
Not hearing and wish I couldn't
Hear half of what I've heard since then.