Silenced
“Why are you so quiet”, they ask
I shrug as if to say that I do not know.
My lips don’t answer, because really there is no answer to give;
Only silence to be endured. My silence dips its feet
Into the conversation that is otherwise cheerful,
Disturbing the melodic rhythm of the room.
Like a grey stone dropped into the glassy surface of a green lake,
It sends concentric circles of unease that break the peaceful stillness.
Slowly eyes turn toward me, beckoning my voice to reveal itself.
But all they get in return is a dry smile from my pursed lips.
Because I’ve got nothing to say,
Because I swallowed all my words
When the world held a knife to my throat and ordered me to shut up.
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