Critical Mass

It seems to still take a certain mass

or else I am critical

of myself

and my efforts

and my contribution

and I hold back

stay in the shadows

don’t speak out, don’t dance

I’ve heard tell that the instinct

is ancient, animal tribal

a necessary coordination

safeguarding collective survival

the strength and shared warmth of a herd

within which one can feel secure

But I 

my voice so thoroughly revoked

by lack of others

feel more like I have failed myself

have lacked the courage of convictions

let my message fall to silence

before I would be seen to stand alone.

©Wendy Mulhern

October 23, 2011