"Hushed Whispers"

Hushed whispers in the corner store
"Be quiet, here she comes"
A girl walks through the door
Pregnant and young.

She braces herself for the silence
That's always in the air
Rumors are worse than violence
When people stop and stare.

Life here in such a small town
Everyone knows everyone
The gossip can wear you down
With talk about what you've done.

She's been made to feel ashamed
Ever since she began to show
"I wonder who the father is?"
"I bet she doesn't know"

She fights back the rising tears
And forces them not to fall
Harsh critics were once friends
Who used to visit often and call.

Everyone has their pride to hold
She tries to hold hers up high
Though the world's ugly and cruel
Beauty she nurtures inside.

Hushed whispers in the corner store
"Be quiet, here she comes"
A girl walks through the door
Just the same as everyone.