Communication

Photo by J. Sharland Day

We need to communicate, we say.

                                    It’s a vital part of our being, our growing,

                                                Of being one, yet two,

                                                Of knowing how much there is to love,

                                                And loving what is there.

                                    But most of the time, we feel it means

                                                Reading between the lines,

                                                Wondering if there’s meaning,

                                                Saying what is not meant,

                                                But being determined to mean what is said,

                                    Being proud of truths and openness,

                                                But allowing fears and pain to keep truths from being whole,

                                                Openness from being actual.

                                    Yes, we need to communicate, we continue to say.

                                    It’s vital to our identity, to know one another,

                                    But wait until the time is right,

                                                When the words come easier,

                                                            And our fears are not as great.

                                    However, when that time never seems to come,

                                                And we find all the words are lost,

                                                            Why do we then wonder:  

Who is that stranger sitting across the table? 

or

Who is that intruder staring back

            From the mirror?

                        Yes, we should have communicated, we admit.

                        We should have made the time.

                        We should have made the efforts, shared the fears;

                                    It takes two to talk.

                        Because now I only know your name, and

                                    I’m not sure if I even know my own.

                        And, I’m not sure if I even care

                                    Anymore.

Photo by J. Sharland Day