Does anyone ever tell the truth
when they say how they feel?
Some part of them holds back,
afraid of offense, frightened
of rejection

Everyone holds back
I just want to scream
exactly how I feel,
but repercussions would
vibrate back and snap me
in two.

So I hold my tongue
and softly speak sweet words,
pouring honey in your ears,
things I know you want
to hear.

Trapped inside,
dead, though I'm alive,
the silent screaming of things
I shall never say,
shaking the bars of the prison of
my lips.

I'll keep it hidden away,
'cause fear is a tight chain,
and I am a
coward.

So I'll slip back
into the shadows
lest I say too much...
Running from this madness
until it catches
up.