Does silence speak?

Does silence speak?

Is speech oft silent?

Is either weak?

Does weakness turn repentant,

Or turn violent?

What choice is there?

Which is the greater freedom:

Desire and not care,

Live life a sinful serpent –

Or squash it into boredom?

Forget forbidden fancies.

Delay dangerous dances.

Curtail cruel cravings.

Restrict rapacious ravings.

Hope offers one no pleasure.

Silence and speech, both hurt

In equal measure.