Silence
an original poem
Words are an agent of change. Words are the manifestation of ideas that shape or reshape the world around us — for better or for worse.
That simple truth explains why the powerful silence the weak.
Such oppression is seen on a broader scale when autocratic rulers imprison or kill opponents, rig elections, and manipulate laws to stay in office. It also exists on a smaller personal scale. We’ve all endured a job where our voice is ignored, and we’re subject to the whims of an egotistical and demanding boss. Some of us experience abuse from family or alleged friends while being bullied into staying quiet instead of pursuing justice.
My new poem is dedicated to those who suffer in silence. Hopefully you’ll find and reclaim your voice.
Silence is never golden, when thieves steal your voice. Slience breeds no peace, when peace is not a choice. The cat is forever blameless, for my vanishing tongue. A prize for lurking menaces. Many who attacked as one. Words conceal deeper meaning. Ideas are conduits for power. Owners become swift conquerors. Ruling as gods from hour to hour. Their tyranny goes unchecked. All under the sun will yield. Impossible to rebel or dissent, with cracked lips forever sealed.
Did you enjoy this poem? Check out my other poetry in the Strange New Worlds archives.
I love the technique you used here of taking these folk sayings and shaping them into the terror that forced silence can bring and sharply addressing the suffering that we often impose by demanding victims not speak out. A very moving poem.