She Learned

She learned to keep it inside
Because it was easier to keep your mouth shut
and swallow it down then to have your words
twisted back and used against you
Sharp as blades to cut and kill.
The burn in your heart and lungs and stomach
was easier to deal with then to see your
emotions, thoughts, feelings misconstrued
and dismissed.
Easier to turn your back and walk away
then stay and try again.