Listen: I Can Speak

Speak when spoken to was the law, when in age I was tender
Never answer adults back, independence was surrendered 
Do this do that go here go there, and never question orders
Did they not know they parents were, and not bloody warders

I swore that when I had kids, I’d give them free expression
Leave them question everything, without fear of repression
I learned more than I taught them, in their years a growing
Subjects that made me blush, I wondered about their knowing

So now in the twilight of my years, I look back with reflection
On years of not speaking words, without using circumspection
Now my tongue tied words are free, please listen and construe
When I say what once I could only feel, that I really do love you



For Contest 'You Can Say It Now'	: Paula Swanson
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Haick Avatar
December 18, 2010 at 9:08 AM
I smile as I read this, Eamon..Good luck in the contest and I'm sure it'll be on the Winners' List! Blessings, peace and joy, Audrey
Loving Iii Avatar
December 18, 2010 at 6:31 AM
so historical. i hardly know what to say. john h loving iii
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2010 at 4:30 PM
OH, you ended this so sweetly, Eamon. I think you approached this contest with a great concept. I have been thinking about it and an idea came to me. (an wonderfully awful idea, as the Grinch would say). It's more on a humorous note and maybe I dare not do it. Will have to think about it. I hope you fare well in this contest. So glad to have you at Soup.
Dietrich Avatar
December 17, 2010 at 4:27 PM
About my triolet and Melinda, she is a composite of kids I saw bullied in grade school. I recall one guy that was very abused verbally. I would walk home with him sometimes. I always felt so bad for those kids. Nobody really picked on me. But I was not popular either, so I just tried to be nice to everyone. Let me read your poem now.
Walsh Avatar
December 17, 2010 at 10:11 AM
A beautiful piece, Eamon - doesn't maturity bring lots of wisdom. Liz
Sweetheart Avatar
December 17, 2010 at 8:54 AM
A wonderful write Eamon and fabulous entry for the new contest..full of wise advice and wisdom too.. great chance to speak out now luv... good luck in the contest... with luv..
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