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

[Jack...]

Rita, I don't know how this got lost on my rr list, I guess it just sat back quietly and waited. So many times I think all of us are guilty of this, not speaking up when maybe we should, but there are times when we just can not help ourselves and we speak out only to find out that it truly was the right thing to do. Very nice my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Jack. I was very shy and quiet in my youth, and it kept me from living fully. Now I embrace all words that come... :)

[Joyce S. Greene]

This one resonates with me, Rita. I have always been rather closed-mouthed until I started writing at which point I found some people were really interested in what I had to say. I liked your poem very much, especially the last stanza. Really good!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Joyce - this one exercised a few personal demons...

[Joyce S. Greene]

Sounds like we have something in common, Rita.

[Lydia Shutter]

Every opionion is worth voicing. Mature people can discuss their opinions and change their minds if the facts dictate it. I enjoyed this.....never be afraid to speak your mind. I liked the repetition of "I said nothing". Very insightful into the human condition, Rita. I liked it. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Lydi! Yes, a lot of people keep quiet too long, while others ramble on... :)

[Pryde Foltz]

This is a tremendously insightful piece.
Sing it loud, Rita. Your melody soars
your syllables always keep the beat.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Pryde. Based on my terrible shyness until I was about 16; I want my students to hear this one...

[Anand Sehgal]

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."

that is the growing mind, learning mind. I loved it. Noble thoughts.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Anand. Your words are appreciated!

[Antoinette Tarsitano-Mo..]

AMEN, my good friend, AMEN!!! My motto: "Let your voice be heard!"

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Cookie! Yes, let it be heard!

[Baby Ricochet]

Great poem with a great message. Open yer mouth and when someone yells "shut yer pie hole" Open it wider.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, that's it exactly! Thank you!

[ANTO]

We very often value others opinions over our own due to among other things ebbing self-confidence. I can totes relate with this great piece Rita - well written and humorous too !

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Anto! I was too quiet in my youth - took me til my 40s to have enough confidence!

[ANTO]

Well you certainly have found a voice in your writing Rita. It is powerful, imaginative and funny and poignant - a true poet

[redflutterby]

I love the form and flow of your poems.... Your talent shines. The message here is fantastic. Yes find your voice...stand up for your thoughts and feelings. Its all we have sometimes. But remember that once said it can't be withdrawn.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Red. Yes, it took me many years to find that balance between speaking my mind and keeping quiet...

[Angel]

This is a classic.
Fantastic piece, skillfully written...a masterpiece.
As per your usual.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you kindly, Angel! Wrote it thinking of my youth - I was the quiet type! :)