words allowed

why are artists gifted with the art that they are?

why was i gifted with 
words 
words i never asked for
words that come in to and out of me 
with the same need to breathe?


why was i gifted with 
words
words written down or
words in the air seen
by no one but me?

perhaps because 
they are quiet
they are safe
which i need sometimes.

but.

now 
i need the unsafety of my 
words
aloud.

why?

perhaps because
my gift is making me grow.