Speak now or forever hold your peace,

But what peace is there when fear is breathing down my neck?

What peace is there when the shadows on the wall appear to be that exact fear?

What peace is there when nightmares of that fear awaken me everynight and I must now keep every light on?

What peace is there when fear is raised above me, threatening to strike down and create another bruise?

What peace is there when those bruises have become so easy to cover?

What peace is there when I cannot forget or hide my fear no matter how hard I try?

What peace is there when others are at risk of facing the same fear I have?

What peace is there when my fear is still out on these streets?

The ONLY peace I can imagine is the thought of my fear behind bars.

But what peace is there when that fear is my own father?

Speak now, or forever hold your peace for there is no peace.