I try to speak

And my words

Are trampled down before they’ve left my mouth.

I try to speak

But it’s like

The most important words are the most loud.

And they wonder why I’m quiet?

I’ve seen a person

Open up

And then be mocked for being who they are.

I’ve seen a person

Speak their mind

And then be crushed for saying what’s on their heart.

And they wonder why I’m quiet?

I’ve heard some words

From mind to mouth

That never should have ever left the head.

I’ve heard some words

Spoken too soon

Tear down the trust built up between two friends.

And they wonder why I’m quiet?

I’m asked a question

And my response

Is lost like sand beneath the sea of sound.

I’m asked a question

And what I think

Is ignored while someone’s next words are found.

And they wonder why I’m quiet?

When my words

Are accepted

 By people who will listen; who will try,

When my words

Are truly heard

And in short are simply treated right

That is when I’ll talk.

When I can trust

A listener

To respect at least a little what I say

When I can trust

My own words

To be right and not just get in the way

That is when I’ll talk.

These circumstances

Are unusual

I find that they are rarely ever met

These circumstances

Are to protect us all

And yet they still all wonder why I’m quiet?