Poetry, Selective Mutism and Finding Voice A Journey From Silence to Voice This year marks 30 years since I first began the journey of “coming out” from silence into voice. It has been a path shaped by courage, self-kindness and the slow unfolding of words that once felt impossible to speak. For 14 years, throughout my teens and early twenties, I lived with selective mutism—a condition that meant my words were locked inside, unheard by the world around me except in certain circumstances. It was a time of whispers, of carrying language quietly, of learning strength in silence. Recognition at the 2025 CHARTS Awards On this anniversary year, I am humbled and proud to share that my poem “From Whispers to Words: A Journey of Silence and Strength”, written less than a year ago in early 2025, has been awarded Winner in the General bracket of the Poetry & Literature category at the 2025 Community Housing Art Awards South Australia (CHARTS Awards) ceremony which was held on Thursday...
Poetry, Selective Mutism and Finding Voice
A Journey From Silence to Voice
This year marks 30 years since I first began the journey of “coming out” from silence into voice. It has been a path shaped by courage, self-kindness and the slow unfolding of words that once felt impossible to speak. For 14 years, throughout my teens and early twenties, I lived with selective mutism—a condition that meant my words were locked inside, unheard by the world around me except in certain circumstances. It was a time of whispers, of carrying language quietly, of learning strength in silence.
Recognition at the 2025 CHARTS Awards
On this anniversary year, I am humbled and proud to share that my poem “From Whispers to Words: A Journey of Silence and Strength”, written less than a year ago in early 2025, has been awarded Winner in the General bracket of the Poetry & Literature category at the 2025 Community Housing Art Awards South Australia (CHARTS Awards) ceremony which was held on Thursday 4 December 2025 at The Mill Gallery in Angas Street.
My Poem on Display at The Mill Gallery
Seeing my poem framed and displayed at The Mill Gallery in the city, alongside other powerful works, was deeply moving. To stand there, not only as a writer reclaiming my voice through poetry but as someone who has lived the silence and now celebrates the sound of her own words, felt like a full-circle moment.
More Than a Prize: Feeling Seen
The award came with a certificate, recognition from the sponsors and a generous gift card. But more than that, it gave me something priceless: the feeling of being seen.
I celebrated with a dear friend of mine who had accompanied me to the Awards ceremony—first at The Mill, then with a glass raised at my local on the way home. It was an evening of joy, gratitude and triumph.
A Beacon for Others
This win is not just mine. It belongs to every whisper that carried me here, every quiet moment that taught me strength and every person who has companioned me along the way.
May this be a beacon for others who are still finding their voice.
Neither silence nor shyness is weakness
and words, when they come, can be wings
and words, when they come, can be wings
What whispers are waiting to become words in your life?
Go gently,
Denise Marron 🩷
Simplicity Advocate and
Author at Gentle Self.
🌿 10 Years of Simple Living
🤔 Learn More About Denise
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