Refutation
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?