Linguistic Outcast

By: Allyssa Herlein

Many people can’t fathom
my language
or why I communicate 
in a manner different 
than them.
They fear oddity,
panicking at the individual
who will violate
the common order 
regulated by humanity 
With cruel language 
they brutally attack
anyone
who will defy 
their law.
And I fear the ridicule 
that will prevail
if I emerge from behind
the vocabulary that I need to hide 
my stupid impediment.