All That Glitters, EJ Hagadorn

I never knew what deal I made

When her lips touched the water,

But she knew a little girl would only see innocence.

That’s why her kind only talk to children.

Ever since that day, whenever I speak,

My voice is strangled

Into flowers, gems, and pearls.

Silence for wealth: that is the price I pay for my kindness.

I’m sure he loved the idea, taking a rich, mute queen.

But how could he fathom the misery of it,

To never sing to my baby?

To listen to the world, and all its words,

Truth-revealing, pain-soothing, love-beguiling,

And never to answer in kind?

My sister choked on her words, but I hold mine down.

He begs for more, drunk against the door,

But not even a starving kingdom will open my mouth.

My only words now are echoed in my silence: “I refuse.”

Never believe what they say.

Silence is not golden;

Words are.

E.J. Hagadorn is an independent author of fiction and poetry, whose works include "Sing A Song Of Yellowstone" and the award-winning "Spring-Heel'd Jack."  When not writing, he can occasionally be seen traversing mountains, lurking in graveyards, or sleeping at his desk.

Art by Amanda Bergloff.