WATCHING WITHOUT LISTENING
Whenever I try
to have a serious conversation,
you may notice
that my lips are not still,
but you pay no mind
to why they are moving.
Instead you focus
on that fascinating stain
in the middle of the wall;
or devote your attention
to the pretty circles
made by your teaspoon.
Sometimes my voice
may even rise above
its usual pitch,
but you shrug your shoulders,
or consult the dictionary
for clues to a crossword.
You answer with nods and shakes,
sometimes adding nondescript words
to make measure for measure.
All the while, checking out
my hands to see if they tremble,
or my eyes for signs of blood.
I curse myself for trying,
change the subject matter
to a trivial topic.Wondering how
you developed that tremendous skill
of watching without listening.
© Copyright, Julius Howard 2015
Featured Writers at âCreative Talents Unleashed Writers Groupâ
www.facebook.com/groups/ctupublishing
Photo Credit: © Donna Sanders
