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