Don’t Fault Me

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Don’t fault me for my silence.

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In a world where all words

Are lies or concealments or half-truths

I wish to keep my integrity.

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In the haze and smoke and noise of war

I want to keep my peace.

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When rain pounds on shuttered windows

My silence is protection.

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When my children sleep and snuffle

Dreaming dreams of good tomorrows

I refuse to wake them.

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In spring, when chirping birds

And echoing frogs call out

I won’t interrupt.

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In sound,

Let me withdraw, calm.

In silence,

Let me be as one with my world.