We kept our mouths shut
to spare us from agony.
Not that we knew them
but we knew of them.
They knew us
and knew where we lived
so we kept our mouths shut.
Outsiders came,
thousands of them.
They came to shut the mouths
who kept our mouths shut.
Our mouths have been opened
ever since
in agony.
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Author:
Tony Grannell (
Offline) - Published: August 3rd, 2025 03:37
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, Friendship, Bella Shepard, Poetic Licence, Golnarmoinamini.Standbypoet
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Comments8
They have a saying in Brazil that translated is (a mouth full of ants) and that is what happens when one doesn't keep their mouth shut, and that is how they are found. A great poem as always. Since childhood I was a Robert Service fan and his narrative style. many of your poems have a bit of that in them. Thanks so much for sharing.
A great fan of Mr Service up there with Banjo Paterson .
Thank you very much, Soren, as always, very kind of you indeed.
Fond regards,
Tony.
You are most welcome Tony
Nice I keep learning here having friends as good as you 💝🙏🌹🌹🌹
Something incredibly haunting especially in your first lines, speaking of mouths yet I also see eyes. Bloomin clever. 🌹
Your poem explores the theme of silence in the face of oppression and the resulting emotional turmoil. It reflects on the consequences of remaining silent to avoid suffering or conflict, as well as the impact of external forces that compel individuals to speak out. The poet seems to revolve around the tension between the desire to protect oneself and the inevitability of suffering when silence is maintained.
Hello, Friendship,
You are correct in what you say, also one may observe where one's saviours, may in time be not so protecting even harmful. Once again, I thank you ever so much for your lovely review. Most valued, truly.
Fond regards,
Tony.
Whether through fear or complacancy, we have often found it more expedient to protect ourselves with silence in the face of the opression of others. Our shame is never reconcilable. You present this dilemma quite powerfully, and we should take heed.
Hello, Bella,
Take heed, indeed, a dilemma face in many parts of the world. Thank you ever so much for your very fine response, it is truly valued and most welcomed.
Wishing you all the very best,
Tony.
Those who keep silent for of reprisals or fear of what they seen, punishment either way, retribution or lifetime of guilt, enjoyed the read
Punishment, an awful word in many cases where it does not suit the crime. Thank you very much, Tobani.
All the best,
Tony.
You are very welcome
Yeah that's true poetry, you have said it all!!! 👌☀️🌹
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