Blank paper speech bubbles hang by fine threads from crossed wooden bars against a muted plum background.

Original artwork, not a still

Catherine Drinker Bowen

I speak truth, not so much as I would, but as much as I dare; and I dare a little more, as I grown older.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker admits honesty is limited by nerve: less truth is told than desired, only as much as courage allows. But that boundary is moving, and with age the speaker is willing to say a little more. It is candid about caution and slowly growing boldness.

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