better just seen: A Poem

 you taught me to talk less
 better seen and not heard
 you went so far as to tell me
 that people would take me more seriously
 if I spoke less
 because it would imply that any time I do talk
 it must be important
 for me to break my silence
 it’s always the quiet ones
 who are perceived as smart
 and as having things worth saying
 yet somehow
 ever since you’ve told me this
 my pen hasn’t left my hand