“Thoughts of a Deaf Spouse”
Revised from poem by Stephen J. Bellitz
My spouse knew I was deaf
even before meeting me
And since then, many years ago,
Has never signed to me.
I know when I’m around my house
My spouse wants me to voice.
It makes her more comfortable.
For me, I have no choice.
I try to talk my spouse’s way
It’s uncomfortable for me.
My spouse won’t learn to sign.
Ashamed or Apathy?
I never cared much about the sound
of radios and bands.
What hurts me is I’ve never heard
My spouse’s signing hands.
