The Product of Negativity

I am the product of all the times I said no.

Of the ‘play it safe’s and the ‘better safe than sorry’s

I am made of report cards saying ‘a pleasure to have in class’

And ‘she’s a quiet girl who should speak up more’

 

I am the product of all the times

 I was told to apologise before talking

And to cover your mouth when you smile.

“So as not to show your crooked teeth”

 

I was always told to ask for permission before asking a question,

As worst case scenarios were forced down my throat

Until all I could taste was someone else’s regret

And told it’s more valuable to listen to others than to offer

My own burdening thoughts

 

So when they say to speak louder, ‘Don’t worry!’

 ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ and ‘You won’t regret it, I promise’

I offer little more than a shy smile and think:

‘It’s hard to not be a product of all the times I said no’