If you've listened close to silence,

I'm sure that you've heard,

The gentle constant ringing,

In the space between two words,

When you really pay attention,

You find it's not just in your head,

But instead is whispers of the words,

The world has left unsaid,

It's "I love you" left unspoken,

And a mother's last goodbye,

That she never had the chance to say,

As she watched her daughter die,

It's forgiveness never given,

And a "sorry" left too late,

That would have saved a best friend's life,

If they'd known it could not wait,

It's a phrase that could have helped them,

And it's a secret that could feel,

But you have an advantage,

For you're still alive to speak,

Words that could help save a life,

Or give strength to someone weak,

So may you never leave unspoken,

Words the whole world ought to hear,

Before they just became the ringing,

In another person's ear.