Ode to a Contronym

Ode to a Contronym*

Silence is a special word; its meaning is unclear.

It calms the nerves and lets us think of things that we hold dear.

But there are times when making noise is just the way to go

Remaining silent and not speak out, will only aid your foe

The noise of summer, I can’t stand, lawn crews drive me insane

When power tools and grinding trucks do naught but fill my brain.

Where tinnitus has staked a claim and leaves its constant hiss

There is no silence I’d refuse, just for a moment’s bliss

And then there’s news for me to view that always floods the air.

Where truth evades, and falsehoods reign, the blathering is there

How I could wish for silence, and have all those fools clam up

Is that too hard? Just pull the plug, put sleep drugs in their cup.

For silence is the very thing that lets us live each day

Let’s have it now and live in peace. That’s what the people say

—————

What’s that, I’m wrong, we must make noise, you think we must speak out

Do not shut up, but state our thoughts, it’s this we all should tout?

A baby’s coo, a gentle rain, are sounds that can abound

It’s quiet noise, that makes us smile, that kind should stick around

A great applause for some great feat, to someone who achieved

And one who fought for what was right, for those who still believed

For silence can mean we give up, or maybe we don’t care.

Of things that others do to us, we know that aren’t fair

Things will not change if we don’t share our thoughts when things are wrong

Our silence lets the ones in charge believe we go along

——–

Oh, “silence” word, how can you be so strong and yet so meek

To let the world not know what’s right to speak or not to speak

Perhaps it’s we who must decide when time is right for noise

Or when the time’s appropriate to demonstrate some poise

If it’s too loud, and floods the air with noise so you can’t think.

Then find a way to mute its force, so you’re not on the brink.

But if there’s wrong, and you don’t fight, your silence leads the way

For those who are in power now, to claim another day.

You must decide which way to go; the choice is yours to make.

Silence or make noise, just get it right for heaven’s sake!

* A contronym is a single word that has two opposite meanings, such as dust or left.