NONVERSATION
 
I avoid speaking of politics. I know there
will be people speaking over me and I’m
too tired of fending them off. My voice
gets tinny and high and I lose my cool and
I get flushed and warm and all in all,
uncomfortable.
 
They gather in newsrooms. Blather on
news shows. Gather in homes and mutter.
On occasion there is a whimper, without
the accompanying bang.
 
Things can get awkward. And all I usually
want is a measure of comfort.
 
So I refrain. I am made to feel
embarrassed, too, of not speaking. It’s as
if a challenge is the only way they engage
with one.
 
Challenges are usually viewed as good in
the sense that the overcomer can say they
did. Overcome, that is.
 
And that is the point they all shake their
heads in unison and mutual
congratulation. The furtive smiles between
fingers. Wary eyes betray their insecurity.
 
For security too has a sorry price. And it
won’t except one.
 
I get uncomfortable and warm and flushed
and my voice gets high and tinny and I get
tired of fending them off even as I lose my
cool and they shout all over me and they
are about to…