Saying no

The thing that must be said

The answer that must resound

The explanation that will not follow is profound

For good company knows good reason

Do not tangle in the web,

of two stories told overhead

For nobody listens and everybody speaks

The retrospect reveals all reason

I am them and they are me

 A fight I will not incite

-Camille Delaquise

This poem appears in Behind the Facade, Camille’s debut contemporary poetry collection. Saying no speaks to the quiet strength of refusal — recognising that dignity, self-knowledge and restraint can be more powerful than argument in a world crowded by noise and projection.

This poem is available as a contemporary poetry print on textured recycled card.