Samantha Johnson

Today is the day I have chosen to see
How becoming deaf would affect my family and me
I know this is only a temporary test
So I put in the earplugs and also suggest
That if the chance arises to try it yourself
Then give it a go, don’t take for granted your health

The sensation is strange as the sounds are decreased
The everyday white noise of life has ceased
In a world of my own, I’m really able to see
The emotions in the faces of those dear to me
I can’t hear the voices of those sat on the chair
I can no longer hear what is normally there

The sounds of the music has gone, it seems so unreal
That a small thing like this can change how you feel
The tones of the radio when I get in the car
That accompanies me like a friend from afar
The anonymous DJ unselfish and fair
I can no longer hear what is normally there

Time to do housework with my hearing dismissed
These are the noises I have happily missed
Dishes crashing
Hoover humming
The polish the hiss
Theses are the sound I will surely not miss
This is the noise of wear and tear
I can no longer hear what is normally there

‘Come on kids it’s time to go out in the car’
‘Someone get the dog, we’ll not go too far’
‘Is everyone in’ I shout to them all
I feel a pat on the back ‘You don’t have to bawl’
‘We can hear you, you know you don’t have to shout
I wish you would take those bloody things out’

My family’s patience is starting to thin
How long should I keep the ear plugs in?
But now I’m experiencing how it must feel
To wake up one morning and for this to be real
It isn’t just me whom this would affect
It’s also my family whose life would be wrecked

We get to the beach, what a beautiful day
But something’s not right; I’m not sure how to say
I FEEL the wind and the sun reflect on my face
I SMELL the salt of the sea, I SEE waves as they race
It’s the SOUND that I miss, Not smell touch or sight
The laughter of children as they squeal with delight
As they run from the waves at the edge of the sea
And run into my arms as they call out to me
‘Quick run’ and they laugh and scream as they try
From the incoming tide to outrun and stay dry
I hate these ear plugs, I can no longer bear
To miss out on the sounds that are normally there

It’s 7 PM and I’m glad I can say
It’s finally the end of this frustrating day
I must now declare that this test to compare
To someone who’s deaf is really unfair
As my day is ended, I don’t have to suffer
Or try and discard the prejudice of others
 All I can do is try to pretend
I’m sure it’s much harder than I comprehend

Just how would I cope if it happened to me
The answer, honestly, I don’t know how I would be
But one thing I do know from trying this out
Is understanding and patience is what it’s about
We can all to something to help dispel the fear
They won’t bite you, you know
Just because they can’t hear
The help is out there for you and me
Just go and join a course with
Steve and Fi