Someday I'll have
said all I have to say
but until then...
Hand me the microphone
let me speak my piece
without interruption without hesitation
Sit back and zip it
take a break
it's my turn
AP: Honorable Mention 2026
Took an assertiveness training class in 1981
Did not do well
Failed it
Swiftly went from passive to agressive
during six scenarios
left bunch of people lying on the floor moaning
they could never explain the difference between assertive and agressive to me. They tried. Believe me they tried.
I stepped over them gingerly
and demanded my money back from the secretary
who cringed and flinched when she saw me coming.
Simple said, "Yes, I will."
Simple thought, This will work for me.
Silence thought, I will go along, without voice.
Simple thought, Frankly, because I do not want to.
Simple said. "No, thank you."
Silence thought, we choose not to share our ideas, that's why.
Simple said, "Yes, I will do this, but no, I will not do that."
Simple said this without apology.
Silence sat quietly, watching with pride.
Simple Silence. Nothing as powerful.
loving herself now
believing in her own heart
She retains power
She said no without excuse.
I admired that.
Her eyes did not blink.
She did not explain.
She simply said ‘no’.
Quiet and plain.
Not I’m sorry.
Not I wish I could.
She said ‘no’ the way I wish I could.
They were diabolically opposed to everything I offered
I decided to take my ideas and go home
One of my best ideas and
Easiest to implement
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