Leading with a Whisper

Each whisper is meaningful
As loud as a trumpet
To one pair of ears
Or softer than a falling raindrop
To another

A whisper can be heard by many
Can hold so much meaning
So much emotion
So much more voice than just a
Regular spoken word

A whisper can land heavily on your shoulders
And blanket you with courage
Or it can be a bucket of ice
Dropped upon your head

Parents might whisper behind their closed doors
They can whisper forever
Whisper, whisper, whisper
Their angry whispers louder than a shout

A whisper is a cult
A wall
Meant to keep some out

Whispers are locked behind every door
And only those who are let in
Get to see
The whispers are only using them
They are manipulative and deceiving
Dishonest and opaque

What if there is a second meaning?

Whispers are the things we'd rather
Not say at all
The words that will someday make headlines
The words-- the people-- who refuse to disappear