Unlike children
we sometimes reject ideas;
not every light-bulb is sacred.
When lips purse to form words
Ur-Editor weighs value against defect;
attempts to predict impact,
response,
long-term effect on reputation;
potential embarrassment
and decides Yea or Nay.
Unlike pen and keyboard speaking threatens finality;
no undo; no rewrite.
Some
thoughts,
strong,
weak,
brilliant as unfiltered stars;
dank as stagnant mosquito ponds,
flash
from mind
to lips and tongue;
without waking Ur-Editor.
Phrases too honest for public consumption
fly unfettered,
into conversing ears
that hear
unintended insult;
undesired confrontation;
inappropriate offer.
Listeners turn open mouthed, silent,
toward the speaker
who scans the questioning faces
and says
“What?â€
Orginally posted September 21, 2008