Knock, knock: a stranger at the door,
Selling a dictionary, collecting for charity.
Nervous shuffle, nails digging into palm
As I open a window, heart pounding,
Make excuses, and rush to solitary calm.
“Hello, good morning!”- group of people on a stairwell,
Friendly hugs and inside jokes, warm reception and easy smiles.
High-pitched chuckle and act of boldness,
Loud opinion and apparent coolness,
I hug and celebrate with greater people,
Laugh, and briskly walk home.
Ring of a phone: Picture of a person.
Wider eyes and sweatier palms
As it rings and rings,
Breath of relief as the blaring ends.
Sharp croak of crickets in still night:
Racing thoughts of missteps past
Ill-fitting skin, rough sheets,
Tossing and turning till daybreak.
“You must believe me, I’m not just troubled!”
I can’t help running away,
Quiet night or busy day.
Everywhere, these people stare,
Pretend they do not scoff and
Judge and criticise, as if I’m not aware.
Stranger, friend or imaginary creature,
I wish I just did not care.
February 9, 2017 at 6:05 pm
KNOCK KNOCK….Do you want to buy a set of encyclopedias? The first letter is free and then there is a charge for each one and delivered to your door. Tons of reading material with pictures. HA HA HA HA HA -Bruce
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February 11, 2017 at 6:51 am
Wonderfully sparse and true. In case you don’t already know this, you have conveyed, I believe, exactly what you hoped to convey. Wonderful work.
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February 11, 2017 at 7:13 am
Thanks so much! ^_^
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