For so long

02/27/2020

For so long I’ve kept silent

For so long I’ve spoken

For so long I’ve gone unheard

For so long I’ve been heard

For so long I’ve been unknown

For so long I’ve been known

For so long I’ve had nothing to say

For so long I’ve had much to say

For so long I’ve kept silent

For so long I’ve made noise

“Speak up” and “Be bold,” they said

The words soon became their dread

Yet it is not I but the truth that needs to be heard

“Now hush! You’re harsh!”

“Surely we need not hear from you”

“Look, you’ve made a fool of yourself too”

The flesh cringes but wisdom rebukes

No! We do not acquiesce to crooks

Inner man be calm, inner man be still

The enemy is seeking someone to kill

My noise and my silence are of the same source

You’ll appreciate this voice whether scarce or hoarse

For so long I’ve made noise

For so long I’ve kept silent

For so long I’ve had much to say

For so long I’ve had nothing to say

For so long I’ve been known

For so long I’ve been unknown

For so long I’ve been heard

For so long I’ve gone unheard

For so long I’ve spoken

For so long I’ve kept silent