They tell me there are things that I can’t speak

that I must keep and keep and keep 

that there are things that happen in dark places, in the in-between spaces with people who are faceless

 

And that I can’t speak

 

They tell me that i have no voice no choice no right to write

They tell me that I will not be believed and that I am not

will not

can not

be beloved

 

Ever

 

So I close up, I shut up shop

 

I wield silence like the double-edged sword it always always is

 

Cause if I cry out, they get what they want

And if I open my mouth

They get what they want

And if I fight back

They get what they want

They get what they want

They get what they want

 

And so I’m silent......

 

And they get what they want

 

Until I’m not.....

 

...........And they don’t