If I Go Silent

If I go silent, it won’t be because I have nothing to say.

It won’t be for lack of consideration, compassion, or interest.

If I go silent, it will be your fault

for failing to listen,

for screaming your views so loudly, so vehemently, so assuredly

that my thoughts,

coming slowly and carefully as I struggle to take into account all sides of the issue at hand,

find no space

in the short time you take

to refill your lungs

before screaming some more.

 

So if you really want to solve this problem,

–please pardon my bluntness–

shut up for a moment and

listen.