I can see the words dancing 

Across your solemn lips, 

Language balancing so eagerly 

On your practiced tongue’s tip. 

I feel my own mouth betray me

As it curves into a smile,

My heart begins to beg

To stay and chat with you, awhile.  

But you see, I’m not so comfortable

Toying with spoken word.

Within the movement of my fingers

Are where my powers truly surge. 

Ask me to read you a poem, a psalm,

You won’t hear me merely utter.

But when engaged in conversation,

My pride escapes me, I stutter. 

I know you understand

Whispers only carry so much,

Voices will falter and fall

As the wind brings its mighty touch. 

But such importance in this world

Is the wonder of speech. 

It gifts us precious abilities,

To talk, to connect, to teach. 

Some people I feel are favored, 

In envy I find it unfair. 

The way you converse so freely,

While I fall to my knees with despair. 

I’ll never yield your confidence,

My tongue suffocates in its cage. 

But my heart will pour out its abundance, 

Here on this monochrome page.

I’ll never yield your confidence,

My tongue suffocates in its cage. 

But my heart will pour out its abundance, 

Here on this monochrome page.