idea

it clings to your tongue with a hesitant grip

unsure if it’s meant to be swallowed or spoken.

shall it take its chance? or will it turn on its heels

and make a silent retreat down your throat?

where does a reward rank among your regrets?

should the idea slide gracefully out of your lips,

you’d earn a badge of eloquence to display

upon your mind’s trophy shelf!

yet if you were to misspeak, a tarnish would befall

your other awards, tainting them with failure.

there’s still time to lower your hand,

lower your eyes,

admit no defeat.

still, the thought remains.

mull it over:

praise its creativity, it weakens its grasp and takes shape;

or admonish it for its rudimentary, it begins to crawl

back into the dark cave of your mouth.

loosen your tongue, so it may fall into existence as the first stroke

of a masterpiece;

or gulp it down painfully, dissolving it forever.

kill it, or bring it life.

it waits for a verdict.