Silent Sickle

One coerced word of thanks

Edged with the hidden hatred you've sown

Is all you require.

Permission acquired,

You set out picking me apart

Finding every note of sarcasm subtly tucked into my voice

By you and your endless solicitations for respect

And counterattack your own strike

With me, the deferent human shield.

Safe inside your spiny shell

Feeling free to take my freedom

You know I'll never raise my voice in disrespect

For respect is hard to come by

With the binding seal of your insecurity

Held tightly across my mouth.