Forbidden Signs

In the deaf oral program, handsigning was forbidden
Forced to speak with ears deafened and tongues hidden
Punishments awaited those caught talking or gesturing
With hands that were meant for signing and posturing.

Measured rulers often struck sharply across our knuckles
Many were forced to sit on their hands amidst chuckles
Teaching hands dealt swift side-blows to our heads
If a careless hand sign slipped, those were the dreads.

Deprived of language and knowledge at a tender age
Served to cause much confusion, grief and inner rage
But out on the school playground, oral deaf hands flew
Like weeds, homemade signs in hushed silence grew.

Written by Ipo
January 13, 2008, rev. March 2008
Remembering at age 7