The Silence You Earned Poem by Martins Akhoeneto

There is no use defending yourself
before someone who has already written your judgment.

Aga, you were my friend.
That is what made the betrayal hurt.
You knew the man behind my silence,
yet chose a version of me
that made your judgment easier.

But I will not plead
before a verdict written without truth.
I will not exhaust my voice
trying to correct a mind
that has already made its choice.

My silence is not an admission.
My distance is not defeat.
I have simply learned
that some actions reveal
what a thousand words try to hide.

I need not announce my departure.
I need not turn my pain into a spectacle.
Some doors close without a sound;
some friendships end without a farewell.

Let the truth stand where it may.
I will not chase belief
from someone who chose suspicion.

Aga, I have said enough
by saying nothing.

I will protect my peace
and leave the rest to time.