this magic trick
and how I’m going
to use it on you.
It’s inevitable
the way you talk.
So many times
I’ve talked back
into your rope
cutting my ankle
and felt myself ashamed,
hanging from a tree.
I always thought
the remedy lied
in convincing you
not to set those traps,
but the man
behind the eyes
cannot be reasoned with.
Using a little sleight
of mouth I’ll stay
unconquered. You see,
I’m going to stop
seeing me
through those eyes.
I’m going to listen
to you and take all
your complaints in
with a concerned look.
I don’t have to say
anything at all, you can have
a conversation with yourself,
I’ve tested this out,
you won’t even notice.
All I have to do
is stand mute and beware
of the conversation
in my head. I cannot be
your child looking
for approval. I must be
the casual friend,
kept at arms length,
your once a month
friendly acquaintance.
You see the magic,
have you figured it out,
the trick is all in the eyes.
You will see a daughter
and I, an old man.
No comments:
Post a Comment