As a child, I was always a loud and open mouth,

I was filled with words and vibrant expression;

but as I faced the coldness of man, my attitudes flew south,

and towards others, I wore a bulwark of silent complexion.

For the sting and pain of rejection was so strong I became paralyzed by fear,

were I to speak to someone would I be rejected again?

So I kept my thoughts guarded to myself, lest someone should hear,

and in doing so built walls to keep out any potential friend.

Though indeed I’d still let my most well formed thoughts be known,

I avoided intimacy for it was simply another chance to be hurt.

Though in time two good friends would my heart they come to own,

aside from them to all else my self was hidden in dirt.

The one friend I had you can see plain as day,

but the other one is not so plainly seen.

With both I found acceptance, a surprise might I say,

for to them I was valued, and for one, I’d always been.

In giving my heart to God, I liberated my soul

no longer was I chained to the expectations of others.

To God my deepest thoughts are now told,

for he listens and his children are my sisters and brothers.

Nevertheless, for many a year I remained quiet,

and though I expressed many ideas, only a few were ever heard.

While in my mind I was a riot,

my fears still kept me from speaking the words.

In due time I realized that my fear was driven by pride,

for I feared letting my shortcomings be publically seen.

For fear of being humbled, I’d always hide,

until I found it is upon becoming humble that I should be keen.

Furthermore, I found family among God’s dear people,

and being accepted by both God and them, I had confidence to speak.

To them I opened up my heart and I feared no evil,

for God gives us strength and love when we know we are weak.

Because of this family of which I am now part,

my tongue has been liberated to express beyond my vain thoughts.

Now I am learning how to give others my heart,

in order that to them God’s love may be brought.

For now instead of speaking empty thoughts, I speak words of healing,

but I do not have this virtue from my own goodness or power.

It is by God’s spirit that these words of love I am dealing,

for he fills me with his goodness even in my darkest hour.

And so I no longer speak for myself nor keep my ideas within,

but rather use my words to go beyond the walls of my town.

God is my fortress and his children my kin,

when I speak, I hope that others may see the great love and peace that I’ve found.