Hear no Evil. Speak no Evil. See no Evil.

si•lence
noun \ˈsī-lən(t)s\
1: forbearance from speech or noise : muteness —often used interjectionally
2: absence of sound or noise : stillness
3: absence of mention: a : oblivion, obscurity b : secrecy

Silence is…
Golden, it's Guilty, Uncertain, & Deep
it lingers, it wallows, disguises & creeps.

Transforms a decision to keep your mouth closed,
into thoughts created by another to flow.

You're a liar, you're smart, you're reflecting, unsure...
On the surface seems simple, yet inside much more.

It may not have been your initial intent,
but your silence has caused my heart to resent.

You're silent to “protect”? Your soul or mine?
Just stand up & speak… before you run out of time.

Silence is golden.
Silence is deadly.
Silence is peaceful.
Silence is LOUD.
Silence is guilty.
Silence is confused.
And sometimes… Silence is better off.

Initially created by Chinese philosophers & passed to Japan (according to Wikipedia), the photo I posted at the very top, as I'm sure you've seen before, was originally depicted by 3 monkeys & not Slater, Pink, & Dawson via Dazed & Confused (I liked their picture better). It is believed to have been adopted from Confuscious' Code of Conduct, as a way to depict man's life cycle. Within the various meanings associated with the proverb including associations with being of good mind, speech, & action, in the Western world it is often used to refer to those who deal with impropriety by looking the other way, refusing to acknowledge it, or feigning ignorance.

I started writing this piece ages ago. So many things brought my thoughts to life, I had to get it all down & try to make sense of it. Silence in any type of relationship, can have so much meaning. Whether you're afraid to hurt someone else or afraid to hurt yourself...

Fear drives silence.

No matter how silence is intended, its meaning is often misconstrued. When we were kids, our parents would say, “sticks & stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you”. But really, words, as well as a lack thereof, can crush you. Just as the right words can make you feel like you're on top of the world, the wrong ones can make you feel like you're at the bottom of the barrel... & having said nothing at all can tear you apart inside with wonder. But there are times when silence speaks volumes. The knowing... the never needing to say anything at all, is what really counts in some cases. But other times, in those insecure moments where if you don’t know what someone is thinking or feeling… it’s enough to make you insane. Although you may be silent to avoid conflict or sidestep a complicated situation, your words could be all someone else needs to be set free... even if it hurts. Although it is said & I agree that "actions speak louder than words", sometimes words are all you have...

Words can be venom to your soul or music to your ears.

I am a person of voice. I need to talk & I love to listen. I want you to tell me what you’re thinking & how you’re feeling. Don’t make me guess… because I will & if I’m wrong, you’ll be mad for my false assumptions. Quite the double edge sword, I know. I tend to be a glutton for punishment. I'd rather risk being hurt for saying what I feel rather then regret never saying it at all. I need to get it out for the simple fear of regret. Whether someone passes away, moves on & out of your life, or a situation slips through your fingers where you could have, should have, but didn't say anything... the weight of regret is a heavy one. I've said it before... if I love you, you know it. I don't hang up the phone or walk out the door without saying I love you to my family... just as each day is a new beginning it can also be an end.

m.