"silence is golden."

that’s what they say.

but it’s not empty.

it’s either an open hand

or a closed fist,

depending on who’s holding it.

sometimes silence is the calm . . .

the deep breath before everything breaks down.

it’s in the room when someone’s whole world just fell apart.

it’s the mercy of keeping your mouth shut

when you hold the truth that could destroy someone.

shift the light, and it becomes a weapon.

it’s the silence in the room when someone is bullied

and no one speaks to defend.

it’s the quiet after anger

that keeps the door to resolve locked in,

leaving heartbreak bleeding under the door . . .

affecting everyone who sees it,

far beyond the initial scar.

silence doesn’t take a side.

it simply magnifies what’s behind it.

so...

is your silence making room for healing

or is it barring the door,

pouring fuel on the fire?