Nan Witcomb

If you dare

to be different

and you do not

join the crowd -

if they laugh

at your honesty

and taunt you

if you’re proud -

when they talk of you

in whispers

and criticise the things

you say and do -

do not fear them,

but forgive them -

they are more afraid

than you -

Thomas Hardy

“A man’s silence is wonderful to listen to.”