YOU DON’T NEED TO HEAR
You don’t need to hear
to read a friendly face
a tender kiss
a warm embrace
You don’t need to hear
to learn and grow
to appreciate all
the things you’ll know
You don’t need to hear
to be listened to
to reach out for help
to support you through
You don’t need to hear
to have strength within
a faith in yourself
a belief you can win
You don’t need to hear
to take great pride
from giving your best
and knowing you’ve tried
You don’t need to hear
to play out your part
to explore with your mind
to find room in your heart
You don’t need to hear
to be someone
to hold your head high
to try and touch the sun
Martyn Brown 5th June 2009
Martyn Brown is a deaf grandad in a hearing family. He regularly regularly speaks for NDCS and (from 2017) Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. He relies on digital aids, lip reading and is a black belt in the Deaf Nod.
The Limping Chicken is supported by Deaf media company Remark!, provider of sign language services Deaf Umbrella, and the RAD Deaf Law Centre.
Robert Mandara
November 14, 2012
Wonderful poem! Perhaps you could write a regular poem here?
Martyn Brown
November 14, 2012
I’m glad you appreciate it.
I will release another poem soon.
Quite different, but still deaf-related.
sgrovesuss
November 14, 2012
Martyn – I like your writing style. Would you be interested in writing a guest poem for my blog, http://LipreadingMom.com?
Shanna
Martyn Brown
November 15, 2012
Shanna
Glad you like the poem.
I’m happy to write another for your blog.
Do you have a specific subject in mind?
Cheers,
Martyn
Ian Horne
November 14, 2012
Excellent poem. Fiona and I loved it. Very moving.
Liz Ward
November 15, 2012
A black belt in the deaf nod – must remember that one! 😉
I loved your poem – very touching and uplifting. Looking forward to reading more.
sgrovesuss
November 17, 2012
Martyn – How about a poem that expresses acceptance of hearing loss/deafness? Feel free to contact me at http://www.ShannaGroves.com. Thanks!
Scott brown
June 30, 2013
YOU don’t need to hear in order to be the best father out there, I couldn’t have asked for a better upbringing. So proud of you Dad!
Emma Curtin
March 7, 2014
You read this poem at a recent NDCS weekend in Nottingham, all the mums were left in tears, I just wanted to say that its a beautiful poem and one I will encourage my son to live by. Thank you