"DO I EVER SHUT UP?"

That is one question

you may never have the guts

to say out loud

here, right to my face.

You can’t fool me with your expressions.

Your eyes narrow.

Your lips purse.

I bet you’re holding back those silent curses.

“Do you ever shut up?”

Go on, spit it out.

I promise you, I won’t pout.

I can hear that loud hesitation,

every time you (choose to) pause.

Well … yes, I do.

When I sleep, of course,

as long as I don’t dream

which may cause me to talk in my sleep

or have a nightmare that might make me scream.

I do,

when I’ve got no one to talk to

even when I’m not alone.

I’ve learned to identify avoid

those who are not worth conservation.

Do I ever shut up?

Now you know that I do.

I have my moments.

I understand that so do you.

Unfortunately,

you don’t get to tell me.

Here are some earplugs for you.

You may flee.

R.