Quietness

       Quietness

Silence as delayed telling.

Waiting for the right word

Then you’ll say

Being a hypocrite or a scaremonger

Is that what you aim for?

Don’t offend anyone!

Hush, hush!

Listen!

Don't take sides!

Wait, look around!

Be sure!

What other people will say!

It sounds like instructions for washing delicate laundry

With big warning

Health hazard!

Instructions on how to become a louse

And after all, being grumpy and disgusted with yourself

It's easier to say when you need to say

You are too quiet

You pretend to say more by being silent

Say that word now

Let it warn