Standing Tall
Location
I speak loudly and I speak proudly
about everthing about me
Ask me any question
and I'll give you a dissertation
I wear my heart on my sleeve
And so it's hard for people to believe
That this isn't the true, unbridled "me"
I'm terrifed
When I open my mouth
What will people think?
What will people say?
Am I wrong? Am I right?
Do they like me at all
Or are they just criticizing me
Quietly, silently
Laughing at me behind my back
Because what I think, to them,
Is pointless. Worthless. Useless.
I laugh so people think I'm confident
I match their gaze,
I stand bold and tall
But deep inside
My heart still shakes
My breath catches
Because when I open my mouth
I lose control of my words
They change. People change them
In their minds, in their hearts
And my feeling is lost
I'm not as strong as I seem to be
I don't even know how strong I seem to be
Because I know I'm afraid
I know I'm weak
Because I speak loudly and proudly
To keep out the silence.