Cowering From Words

Crouched down,

My words hide in fear.

Their attention is to silence.

Stillness keeps them safe from exposure.

I harbor them.

I know where they hide.

I feel their heart beating and I trust they know how to be quiet.

I keep my back to the door and push against it,

closing them in.

"Loyal and protective, I am!", I tell myself proudly.

Pride does not make a good guard.

I use my power to cover their eyes.

But, then, I'm the one who sees.

When I hide them from natural light,

I'm the one who is blinded.

I know I need to put down my clipboard. 

Rethink my obsession of checking the rules and regulations.

(all written by me)

If I let my words escape,

I also will be free.

Yes.

Sadness, truth, and despair cost me.

The price I will have to pay to leave my command post.

Instead of a cell it will be a home.

From a cowering of words without a voice, to having a name.

I will trust and honor them with an open door.

If they take advantage of their freedom?

Expose, lash out and frustrate me? 

I will forgive them.

In forgiving them, I can forgive myself.