The silent treatment

When you can't say what you want because the very hint of a whisper

is an insurrection in the making

When you can't hurt openly

the wracking sobs contained within

hidden behind the false smiles

When happiness is stifled and pain magnified

This isn't about one anymore

But it will be

It's about being an adult

And listening

And understanding

An emptiness

a void

an indescribable hole

And it's about giving up

and compromise

I've done it before

I'm an expert of sorts

If it takes letting go

of giving up

My hopes. My happiness.

I have no choice

I will have no voice

I will have no opinion

I will acquiesce to the status quo

I will be you

To please you

And it will kill me -a little at a time

until I am no longer

But it will make you happy

And that's what matters

That's all I want