Mic Check Poem by APPHIA GARCIA

Testing...testing...
1,2,3
Can you hear me?

We stand so very often holding microphones
For our voice to throw so an audience can hear us.
It's like life
Yes it's sur real.

I wonder many times,
Why do we have to talk louder than we were made too?
Why do we have to shout?
Why do we have to cry out loud?
Why do we need a microphone?
Testing, testing 1,2,3
Can you hear me?
I am asking a question
Can you hear me?

Society has changed decades ago
yet parents still talk about long time.
Let that go.
We are oblivious to that
So help us figure out how to cope in our time.
Testing, testing 1,2,3
Can you hear me?
I am asking a question
Can you hear me?

So many times we hear about...
Young people this and young people that.
All negative.
No optimism, only pessimism and criticism.
A tap on the shoulder,
A few words spoken at the right time
Uttered...'Well done.'
That goes a long way in helping to remind us that we are on the right way.
Testing, testing 1,2,3
Can you hear me?
I am asking a question
Can you hear me?

Hold our hands and help us make it through
See us in the field and tell us...
'It's nice seeing you.'
Give us some encouragement.
Gossip? Slander?
There is no place for that.
That is discouragement.
Testing, testing 1,2,3
Can you hear me?
I am asking a question
Can you hear me?

This is the voice of the youths.
It's what we feel on the inside
But afraid to show on the outside.
Do we always have to cry out?
Do we always need to be loquacious?
Do we always need a microphone to shout?
Testing, testing 1,2,3
Do we always need to be direct?
Do we always have to fight not to be neglects?
Testing, testing 1,2,3
Can you hear me?
Set the example for us.
Help us, guide and direct us.
Can you hear me?
I am asking a question
Can you hear me?
Well I hope you heard me.