I Tried to Argue Once

I tried to argue once,
And they patted me on my head.
“I understand your feelings,
But you’re wrong,”
Was all they said.

I tried to argue twice,
And they shook their heads and sighed
At my irrational neediness,
At my hormones,
At my pride.

I tried once more – and once again –
And once again nobody heard.
And I found I argue best,
With most success,
When I never say
A word.