don’t open up
it’s safer this way

don’t expose yourself
because some will disagree

some might even criticize

don’t let your words flow
like rivers

which can be dirty,
and foul

rivers can flood and destroy
like words

be safe

take shelter

close your eyes

your mouth

your mind

then you’ll never offend

hurt

or humiliate

yourself

or others.

and

most of all

believe

everything

you’re

told.

** Anarchy and all-out obedience are both dangerous. We cannot be so afraid that we never speak up, yet we must not be so brash and emboldened and even prideful that we never stop to listen. Extremes are harmful to us all. **