elsie

Elsie is a quiet dragon
aching to explode,
a poet in the corner
striking fear into her foes.

She speaks so softly
all the class leans forward, listens close,
but neither hears her silent screams
nor detects the scent of smoke.

What hides inside that muted mind?
I work to crack the code.
I sense a little light of mine
beneath bushels of woe.

A strong voice snuffed and smothered
by some burning in the throat.
Dear Elsie, I am listening.
Read me the riddle of your soul.