Poems

Don't

S   t   o   p.
Congrats! You've got the girl-who-doesn't-speak to talk.
So listen,
Listen to what the quiet girl has been wishing.
She has something important to say,
But would it matter to you, anyway?
So busy making comparisons, passing judgement.
Your opinion has become far too abundant.
Great! The entire world knows what you think.
But did you ever think your words may put someone else on the brink?
Be quiet for a moment—you'll see.
"You're fat." Thanks. Thanks so much for your insight on me.
"Nah, she's got thick thighs."
Is all that matters to you my size?
"You got a 100 again?!"
"It must be easy being Asian."
You had to bring my race in?
Oh trust me, there's more.
More examples of the cruelty you have in store.
More words, words, words that you say.
That sometimes make me wonder why I try in the first place.
But there are things that keep me from falling into that pit of doubt.
There are things that I love that keep me out.
There are things that love me that help, too.
There are things that help me ignore you.
So you may mock me all you'd like, but don't you dare do so to others.
Your words suffocate, drown, and smother.
Let me be your target; let your words be the arrows.
Let mine be the stricken, defeated marrow.
I may be able to take all that you throw at me.
But other people may not be so lucky.
Some aren't able to ignore what you say.
Some aren't able to let your words roll away.
So stop passing your judgement on people who don't need it.
Words can tear people down, break them, feed it.
Feed the niggling doubts in their minds.
Feed the hateful thoughts they hide inside.
Don't you dare feed those terrible things.
Don't you dare let them sprout their terrible wings.
Learn what you say is not priceless.
Learn what may happen is not fathomless.
Because your words do have an effect.
So remember that the next time you decide to point out a person's defect.
Be careful with the words that you say.
Be careful
With the people you fray.