Lit eZine Vol 6 | p-12 | POETRY | Epistle: On Reclaiming Own Voice

Listen friend —
Word has it that censorship
alive and kicking in the 21st century
gags unpalatable books
so as not to offend good people’s ears.
What a caterwauling hullabaloo,
for we’re all offended!

I tell you, in this season of rage
where likability is a tradeable commodity,
my tongue is swollen
—an allergic reaction—
as I learn I’m likeable
when I’m cultured, nice and silent.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise
for we live in the era of emojis.

I yearn, I yearn, for an honest conversation
to speak openly and trustingly
about things that make us human.
If not, then I’d rather swallow my tongue
than discuss weather.

Back to beauty—
Last night as I stood outside,
ten thousand rainbows careered around.
They swallowed all the darkness
as they lit the sky.