Taciturn Child

• Rebecca Gaze, Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2014

There was no warning, or precedent
As time befell me, with deadly intent
I discovered just what it meant
To exist within this world

From a tender age I seemed to learn
That it’s best to act taciturn
Those tight-lipped smiles got me by
Better than being hung out to dry

I felt I risked all I could afford
And grew the urge to fall upon my sword
Worry too large or lie too small
Just what was the point, to anything at all?