Words on a Page

Words on a page –

a response

to my statements

Opinions –

insinuating I’m wrong

Disbelief –

that I could

have such a different

point of view from them

Heaven forbid

I see beyond the surface

Heaven forbid

I speak to what I see

and believe

is really happening

Like always,

the old feelings

of displeasing someone

fill me

I try not to be angry,

try not to let the hurtful words

bring me down

nor think poorly of those

whom I consider friends

I pull back

vow to myself

not to speak freely again

But wait!

I refuse to put up

with negative responses

I would not

speak thusly to them

I hold fast my words,

stand strong in my convictions

I don’t require agreement

only respect

I have the right

to my own beliefs!

Last I knew

the First Amendment

has not been revoked –

yet –

Is it becoming

freedom of speech

is only for certain people?

My choices are

not for argument,

not to name call,

not for debate.

And, if at some point,

I am proven wrong,

I will be the first

to admit it.