Speak

Wish I had done it sooner

Sure I had nothing of value to say,

I said nothing

Not wanting my voice to get in the way,

I said nothing

Share an opinion I just knew was wrong

I said nothing

Defend an issue where my feelings were strong

I said nothing

Until all my words began a campaign 

They had a meeting inside my brain

They said "We're suffocating here,

with more thoughts coming every year."

They sent an ambassador to my ear -

"Speak! It's only YOU you fear!"

And so I did. 

 

Reviews

[Blue]

I need this to be my constant reminder! I'm a shy and silent person who dwells in the privacy of my silence, who always wished I aired out my opinions but didn't, who's always afraid of being heard.

This is an inspiring read, Rita. Thank you for this!

[Rita L. Sev]

Blue, it took me a long time to heed that voice - and I am so glad I did. You speak so eloquently in your poetry - and that is a great start! Thank you for your kind words.

[s y e]

You always speak the truth in your poems, Rita. I'm a pretty quiet person unless you speak out of place to me or anyone I care for then I turn into the Devil, aha!

[Rita L. Sev]

People who know me find this hard to believe, but I was extremely quiet and mousy until I was about 16 years old. Then, it all came rushing out... Thanks, Noodle.

[Brittany Zedalis]

This is truly excellent. Great job!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Brittany.

[Diana]

We think about speaking far more often than we speak. A reminder to not be afraid of airing our inner voice in the outer world... An enjoyable read.

[Rita L. Sev]

Well put; thank you, Diana!

[NeiL ArandA]

Oh my gosh ! The giant has finally awaken .
We hear you here, loud and clear.
You have been holding back
All this year. Timid your not!
Let the wise finally speak up.
Its my turn, to silence and listen ...

Awesome piece Ms Rita ....thanks for sharing !

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Neil! It took me many years to finally speak up; I am so glad that I found my voice, and encourage my students to do the same.

[shallimarRose]

Rita this is EXCELLENT.... I am like you. I tend to keep my mouth shut most of the time.. It burns holes in my brain. Great piece thank you for the rr. xo Rose

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Rose. It took many years for me to find my voice...

[Sharon Kim]

Rita, I love this and I can totally relate. I also was really shy and I would practically squirm with waiting for someone else to say the words that I wanted to say. When no one else did, and I had just about plucked up the courage to speak, the moment would be gone and I would remain silent. Thankfully for me that is not the case anymore. Well, at least most of the time.... ;). (Auditoriums full of adults can sometimes be really intimidating~shrug). :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sharon. I still have some moments, like Back to School night... ;)

[Cassie]

hahahahah...the last stanza made me laugh, the fact that all your words had a meeting in your brain and they sent an ambassador to your ear is kind of funny and I love the imagery. This is good, loved it.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Cassie - yes, eventually it was "Speak up or go crazy!" :)