I could shovel words
back into my mouth,
pull them up from my page-
run around, hunched, frantically
collecting strays
to pack away and hide,
or build a wall across my lips,
so nothing can escape.
none of it would keep me safe
From judgment, pain and shame
even if I caged my every thought
and threw the key into the sea
where it would lie immersed,
out of reach for eternity
still, my silence would not protect me
so instead, I'll string my words up high,
let them billow in the breeze
light them up like neon signs
let them fall from me with ease
I'll survey my creations
and breathe freely
standing as my witness
to their worth and beauty.