Defy the Silence
Do not listen to those who would see you silent for their own comfort.
A Dedication
Though you have just entered my life you have been a great influence upon me, and for that I thank you. Your heartwarming smile as you play with my son, your impeccable sense of fashion, and the jovial manner in which you conduct all of your business is a beacon of hope in an ever-turbulent world. Should you ever feel as if youth is escaping, know that from the outside you gracefully appear to be the epitome of it.
So, to a person I admire deeply, a loving happy birthday! May you continue to be as amazing as you are now well into the future, and hopefully you drag us all along with you whether we want to go happily or not!
Set the Mood
In the beginning there was naught but silence,
A blackened void as far as the eye could see.
There was no hate, no conflict, no violence,
Awaiting the time where you came to be.
Like a big bang you came into this world,
Excitement filled every heart around you.
Seen to be the most tender and beautiful girl,
Breaking that silence with a gentle coo.
For on your birth a universe was made,
Every man and woman a planet revolving.
Though another year older, no sign you'll fade,
With no problem too big for your gentle solving.
Let not the contemplative silence creep back in,
Don't let your youthful spirit crumble.
To age without grace is a gentle sin,
And to remain silent is to go with a mumble.
Another decade calls for a burst of your passion,
Leave silent musings to ancients in their grave.
Remaining quiet is going out of fashion,
There is no valid reason for you to behave.
With virile life you must now crack the whip,
Break the veil of silence before our unspeaking fall.
On life's radar we are all but a blip,
But your presence alone breaks the stillness for all.
When the world presses its finger to its lips,
Do not listen to the totalitarian hush.
Continue to dance, sway, and wiggle your hips,
Do not concede to silence in a rush.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
— From Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night"
Be Loud, Be Proud
No matter what it may be that you are facing: an enemy, your job, a lover, the fateful whispers of silence... be loud and be so proudly!
There is no great man, nor woman who rose to that greatness in silence. Wherever they went they were blazing a path to glory, and the fires of their passion rang true the world around. Do not stifle your greatness for the sake of silence, for the sake of the comfort of those around you at your own expense, be loud and be so proudly!
If it is silence you choose, then know we shall mourn at the grave you have chosen before being buried in it. We will mourn loudly, and do so proudly.
© 2021 Kyler J Falk
Comments
Kyler J Falk (author) from California on July 31, 2021:
Funnily enough this isn't actually dedicated to my partner, though all of my poetry is inspired by her in some way. This was for the birthday of someone who has been a wonderful presence in my life, and we delivered it to her along with an interesting bauble for the occasion. She had said to me the other day, "I just want everyone to be able to talk about whatever they want, and to be able to disagree without fighting. The world is a mess because of all the disagreeing right now," and thus this poem came to be.
Yes, so long as the silence is being defied then progress is being made! Thanks for reading!
John Hansen from Australia (Gondwana Land) on July 31, 2021:
This is an excellent dedication to your partner and poetry in general. Some of us can speak out strongly for the things we believe in but others may quietly let their thoughts be known, and perhaps as a writer, inspire others to push their beliefs and speak up loudly on their behalf.
Kyler J Falk (author) from California on July 30, 2021:
Such a true statement it is, Brenda, and I think it was Al Capone who said, "A smile can get you far, but a smile with a gun can get you farther."
Even further there are many examples across all religions that call for their prophets and practitioners to arm themselves with strength, passion, and focused fury. Never has silence been a path to power, even the silent prophets spoke through many voices other than their own.
Thanks for reading!
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on July 30, 2021:
Kyler
Another great write.
Theodore Roosevelt said speak softly & carry a big stick but I think it means it's important to back up what you say.
To do so with strength & passion...
Not silence.
Kyler J Falk (author) from California on July 30, 2021:
Heck yeah, Ishika, I'm happy I could set the tone for your mood today! We all deserve to be loud and proud about anything and everything in life.
Thanks for reading!
ISHIKA MEHERE from NAGPUR on July 30, 2021:
I want to applaud you for your message Kyler j Falk. I stand by the saying work in silence so that your success makes noice. Staying silent for the sake of people around you restricts you from prospering in your life. I had a great time reading your poem and it just set my mood.
Hope you have a joyfully and loud day ahead kyler.
