when we must act

our silences say more than when we're loud
winks smiles and words are weapons of the weak
it is not what we say but how we speak
with eyes cast downwards and our heads all bowed
our faces are the opposite of proud
expression is not debonair but meek
each of us claims to stand below the peak
we hide ourselves inside the surging crowd
but time gives nothing and neither does fact
each of us wants to be outside the pile
and have a proper scene and speaking part
this is no time for modesty or tact
nor for the humble mostly pleasing smile
the truest speech is not from mouth but heart