Poetry - My Words

Every word that tumbles out of my mouth, I own

Some words snap like arrows narrowly escaping a heart

Some are big fat seeds that take root and beauty is reflected in pools of gratitude

On the tip of my tongue is a praise

At the back of my throat is a growl

How a word falls into another’s ear into the labyrinth of understanding I cannot tell

Is it received as inappropriate or crude?

Is it received as weak or sweetly?

I make no apologies - for every word that tumbles out of my mouth, I own

I use my world to make my words

I use the words my mother taught me and the ones I have taught myself

It is me in my words

And if one dares to take the time to know me

He or she will know the secret of their intent

Are you new to my way of speaking

Or through the haze do I see an accepting old friend

Take away my words and I might become you

Or a prisoner trapped by walls of mores and norms

A puppet in your play looking through your eyes

Would you be happy with a puppet?

Puppets don’t think, puppets don’t use their own words

My words, my voice, my wild gesturing – I have a right to

You see, every word that tumbles out of my mouth, I own