Be Still

Be still

Be quiet

Stay small

House holds the breath it learned to hold.

Checked the locks; I watched the deadbolt.

I stood between; I met his rage.

Then hands passed down a smaller cage.

Be still

Be quiet

Stay small

Silence was signed called it love.

"Be good" was pressed like a heavy glove.

I wore the hush like borrowed skin

I won't go quiet there again.

not my fault, not mine alone

The wrists still carry thumbprint blues.

That hush was taught; it taught me, too.

We shared a shame we never earned.

Heirloom bruise I'll never unlearn.

Be still

Be quiet

Stay small

Be still

be still

Be quiet

be quiet

Stay small

stay small

Be still

be quiet, stay small

Silence was signed, called it love.

"Be good" was pressed like a heavy glove.

I wore the hush like borrowed skin

I won't go quiet there again.

Be still

Be quiet

Stay small

Be still

Unsign the silence say its name.

If there is healing let it flame.

I keep my voice I won't refuse.

I hand back the borrowed bruise.

Be still

Be quiet

Stay small

Be still