When to Speak

We celebrate International Mother Tongue day today.

Every language has its place. 

We don't always need to tell 

What we know.

🦯🤫🧠⚖️

"Grandma, it's dollar, not dorra."

At the bank. 

My grandchild minds my English. 

I blush.

🦯🤫🧠⚖️

But smile. 

And wink behind her.

"The old lady's dumb."

In Mandarin.

I clutch my walking stick.

🦯🤫🧠⚖️

You see, I know.

I got what that bank teller said.

Just decided

NOT to say so.

🦯🤫🧠⚖️

So I am ignorant.

I am weak.

I do not get it.

But I know.

🦯🤫🧠⚖️

This is about using language and power.

Let them think they know.

But I know.

I want to speak

Only when THEY need to learn.

More than me.

🦯🤫🧠⚖️

Original poem by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin. AI tags are coincidental. 

For Vocal's Say It Plainly challenge

And Mikeydred's February prompt.