oh please, go on

so many

conversations are one way.

we sort of listen

to the long story about how

the cat was

stuck in the tree,

or how

your father used to take

you over his knee,

three eggs, not two,

really,

but

you wait patiently

just the same,

tapping your foot,

waiting

for the other person

to finish

so that you can say what

you have to say.

a lot of nodding

is involved,

a half smile,

blinking. pulling

at your ear,

just looking for that slight

pause

to jump in.

then finally it's your turn,

but you've forgotten

what you had

to say.