Silence

Respond, don't react, I thought

When words can no longer

be trusted and are 

so easily twisted

Silence would be the dignified response

I thought

But silence can also be misconstrued

Apparently

I might as well have expressed

My angst, my sorrow.

Is respect due, only to those older

Are the feelings of the younger

Insignificant, irrelevant and easily dismissable

Maybe I should have reacted 

But there are so many delicate relationships

Hanging in the balance

I take a step back each time

Secrets are exhausting

Frankness has repercussions

Especially when habits have been formed

Over years and years of misinformation

Should I break out of the loop

Am I willing to pay the price?

Am I the only one? 

So much noise inside my head

This silence is getting deafening

I care too much to not care.

Do you?