Outspoken (new version)

I was told to be

out-spoken

but how can I be when

so often

I've been

spoken out

out of the playground

out off the bus

not a sound,

never one sound,

taken out

to avoid the fuss

how can I be when

I'm so soft-spoken

never one word

above the other

never have I given

anyone the f- word

even when

I was down-trodden

and I wouldn't bother

I just want to have fun

but people hold on

so to speak

they hold it up

against you

like you have to be

outspoken

or they tread on

they make a hell

out of a possible

heaven

and you can tell

it's such a burden

such a burden

don't speak out of turn

speak up, speak out

step up or step out

speak your mind

but mind your business

unspoken, unspoken

bespoke silence

speak for yourself

not for others

speak volumes

but keep it down

they want you to be

downspoken

ready to be

trodden upon

and yet, and yet

you can up

you can in and out

speak, speak, speak

your mind, your piece

your voice is unique

no need for their blessing

untrodden

that's your ground

never cease to be

outspoken even

against heaven

outspoken

the only lesson

you'll ever

need to remain

forever

unbroken.

About a year ago I published a piece titled "Outspoken", and it seemed fine at the time, but I read it again recently and decided it was time to prune and graft. It's not uncommon for me to revise, sometimes extensively, but I don't usually publish the revised version. Today, for whatever reason, is different. Happy reading!