When I Grow Silent Poem by Patrick O'Reilly

When I go silent, and I grow cold
Will you just look away
And leave me to myself?

When the music has stopped
Turn the light, shut the door
Will you look the other way in the dark?
Leave me to number your stars and scars.

I know how things can hurt
I know how straws have broken camel’s backs
And people’s hearts,
I know how someone has to hang.
It's just easier to play dead or deaf
Than it is for me to play along.

When there is nothing left to say
But please, please,
Will you just look away
And leave me to myself?