Voice within and external

Voices outside and within

Self talk when alone,

and responses to voices external

but always a noise

differentiated by its intensity

That’s how it has always been

Yesterday, today and one sees no possibility

of it being different tomorrow.

Yet a hope, that the hell be taken out

of that which was yesterday.

Voices that can be stopped, for a while

distracted by film, TV or a book

Sometimes more is needed

A strong drink, and another

Come darkness my old friend

Voices that are you, about you. From you.

Heard, imagined, or re-imagined

Voice tinged with fear, hope, or warmth

Expectant, alive, sometimes despondent

Sometimes boring.

Voices that scream for attention, or muted

In whisper or in affection

That calm or energises

That comforts or relaxes

Always a voice within – that’s you.