Quietness

Silence as delayed telling.
Waiting for the right word
Then you’ll say
Being a hypocrite or a scaremonger
Is that what you aim for?
Don’t offend anyone!
Hush, hush!
Listen!
Don't take sides!
Wait, look around!
Be sure!
What other people will say!
It sounds like instructions for washing delicate laundry
With big warning
Health hazard!
Instructions on how to become a louse
And after all, being grumpy and disgusted with yourself
It's easier to say when you need to say
You are too quiet
You pretend to say more by being silent
Say that word now
Let it warn