speak up

to be silent
and suffer as if a martyr
about to die,
with no
whimper
or cry. no response
to the slings
and arrows, the crack
of a whip
against your back.
to lay
low and do nothing,
saying nothing,
just turning the cheek
to smile
as they slap, to
pretend that everything
is fine
is no longer
a viable option.