The Danger of Silence

I choke on my words to spare your expensive ego.

The silence, now costing me my life.

In time, those lies have become my prize.

No escape, but certainly a disguise.

I coddle you, as I die inside.

I’m dying inside for failing to offer myself the same remorse I freely hand you, at no price.

When in fact, there is a price…

I start to believe my own lies.

My silence implies that I owe you my life. My words often validate your gain.

I’m aware, my speaking would corroborate the truthfulness of my pain.

But, I choke it back and refuse to give it voice.

Thus, things remain the same.

Still, I zip my own lips and hide all of my shame.

No longer wanting to feel the sting of your rejection, so I hold it all inside.

From the silence, I want to scream, but fear insists I leave your feelings unhurt.

Consequently, I die inside.

The silence is deafening, and it’s costing me my life.