it is difficult enough to speak
while living, to say what we must
and still be honest and true;
the compromises and small capitulations
that allow us to breathe, too often
overwhelm, rendering us speechless.
at best, we blandly whisper behind
set smiles, conditioned over decades
to say only what is expected to be said.
to use the last words left to us,
without vague shades of nuance,
and shape them to our heart
becomes the imperative
which silently devours us all.
(August 26, 2024)
subtext 